Yes — absolutely. The Sukiennice are the heart of the Old Town and at the same time a place where it’s easy to plan sightseeing without long walks or stress. A stroll around the Market Square, a visit to the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art (Sukiennice), a short stop in a cosy café and a rest on the Planty terraces or benches make an ideal “take it easy” format. In about one relaxed southern hour you can feel Krakow’s atmosphere, see several important works of art and sit over a coffee with a view of historic townhouses. For many older visitors this is a far more pleasant option than intense, multi‑hour sightseeing with constant standing and queuing.
In this article I suggest a ready‑made route, practical accessibility tips, a list of recommended cafés near the Sukiennice and an FAQ with useful advice — all written in a friendly, matter‑of‑fact tone that encourages visits.
The Sukiennice are more than just a souvenir market on the ground floor of the Main Market Square — on the first floor you’ll find the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art, one of the earliest and most important permanent exhibitions of the National Museum in Krakow. The site’s history goes back to the Middle Ages and its present appearance was shaped in part in the 19th century, when regular museum exhibitions began to be shown in the Sukiennice.
For those who value calm: the museum is usually open Tuesday to Sunday, with Monday often closed. It’s worth planning your visit outside the busiest part of the day — for example early morning or late afternoon — when it’s quieter and you can sit in a café without a long wait.
The museum offers facilities for visitors with limited mobility: the building has a lift, there are service solutions at the ticket office and museum shop, and the museum can provide information about additional accessibility options on request.
Start: a convenient drop‑off point by tram or taxi right at the Market Square. If you arrive by tram, get off at a stop close to the Square (for example near Plac Wszystkich Świętych, the Słowacki Theatre or the Main Railway Station) — this is usually less tiring than looking for parking.
1. A short walk along the Planty or the edge of the Market Square (10–15 minutes). The Planty have benches and softer seats — a good place for the first photos and for easing your knees into walking. Approaching the Square you’ll see the towers of St. Mary’s Church and the Sukiennice façade from a distance.
2. A stop by the Sukiennice arcades and a short story about the place (5–10 minutes). This is a good moment to explain the Sukiennice’s trading function and that the first floor houses a gallery. If you plan to go inside — check at the ticket desk about lift availability and tickets first.
3. Visit the Sukiennice Gallery (visiting time: 30–45 minutes). It’s worth buying tickets in advance or asking at the desk about the least crowded times. Inside there are benches and exhibitions laid out in a relaxed way — I recommend seeing one room at a time, then taking a break before the next. An audio guide is a good alternative to a full guided tour and lets you keep your own pace.
4. Sukiennice terrace or an indoor café (10–30 minutes). After the gallery I suggest a break on the terrace (if the weather allows) or in one of the nearby cafés listed below. This is time to stretch your legs and have a coffee.
5. Walk around the Market Square, or make a short stop in the Planty or by a fragment of the city wall — up to 20–30 minutes. If your legs feel heavy, you can finish the route after coffee and return by tram to your accommodation.
Plan breaks every 30–60 minutes on the route — this greatly increases comfort and allows a fuller experience of Krakow.
When choosing cafés for a group of seniors, consider: comfortable chairs, step‑free access (or staff willing to help with the entrance), an on‑site toilet, efficient service and good reviews. Here are a few places that usually work well:
Słodki Wentzl (Rynek Główny 19) — a historic patisserie with a long tradition, known for desserts and an elegant interior. Good for a relaxed cake and coffee in a classic atmosphere; often recommended by visitors who appreciate traditional venues.
Noworolski Café (located within the Sukiennice) — a café with many years of tradition connected to the Sukiennice’ history; comfortable interiors and proximity to the exhibitions make it a natural choice after visiting the gallery.
Cafe Camelot (ul. Św. Tomasza 17) — atmospheric interior, popular with Old Town guests; a warm, moody place good for a short rest after a walk.
Specialty cafés (Św. Tomasza and nearby side streets) — if someone prefers coffee from top roasters, several small cafés in the side streets offer coffee prepared in various ways; good for visitors who like alternative brewing methods.
Charlotte and other bakery‑cafés (around the Market Square and nearby streets) — if you value fresh baked goods and a pleasant interior, bakery‑cafés are often well rated and have space to sit.
When choosing a place, remember to check for step‑free access or ask staff for help — many places are happy to assist.
Lift and entrance: the Sukiennice Gallery is equipped with a lift giving access to the first floor, so visitors using a cane, crutches or a wheelchair can reach the gallery. Access to the main cloakroom can be difficult because of steps — the museum offers an alternative cloakroom for visitors with mobility limitations near the museum shop. If in doubt, call ahead to confirm what arrangements will be prepared that day.
Toilets: the building has toilets on various levels, including accessible toilets. If someone needs particular amenities, contacting museum staff in advance is a good idea.
Audio guides and guided tours: the museum offers audio guides in several languages (an option that allows visiting at your own pace) and the possibility of guided visits. For groups of seniors a small guided group or an individual pace with an audio guide is often more comfortable.
Tickets and hours: standard opening hours are usually Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00; the last visitors are admitted about 20 minutes before closing. Tuesday is sometimes a free admission day for permanent exhibitions — this can be an attractive option but expect larger crowds. Check current hours and ticket prices before you go.
Transport: the simplest way to reach the Market Square is by tram (stops around the Old Town) or taxi. Many low‑floor trams operate in Krakow — a convenient option for those who want to avoid long walks.
Comfortable, stable shoes with a good sole are more important than fashionable footwear — the Market Square’s cobblestones can be slippery after rain and many side streets are uneven. Bring a thin warmer layer (scarf, light jacket) even in summer — it can be cooler inside the museum and in the shade.
A bottle of water, a small snack and medications in a separate pouch — this helps cope with delays or a longer break without having to look for a shop. A small folding cushion or lumbar pad for sitting in a café can increase comfort.
Documents and tickets: if you buy tickets online, carry a printout or confirmation on your phone. It’s also useful to have the phone number of your accommodation and, if needed, the museum’s number in case of questions.
Trying to see “everything” in one day — plan at most one major museum attraction and one or two shorter stops; this saves energy and allows you to enjoy the moment. Overambitious plans and lack of breaks cause fatigue and reduce the quality of the visit.
Not checking opening hours and closed days — many museums and some cafés are closed on Mondays or have seasonal opening times; check official hours and any changes before you set out.
Not contacting venues in advance if you need accommodations — if someone in your group needs a lift, accessible toilet, hearing loop or other assistance, inform the museum or café ahead of time. Staff can then prepare and show the most convenient entrance.
The Sukiennice were not only a trading place but also a social meeting point — already in the 19th century ideas and artistic initiatives began here that helped create the national collection which gave rise to the National Museum. This history makes a pleasant coffee‑time story about how an ordinary market transformed into a cultural place.
A long‑standing café tradition has existed over the years in the Sukiennice’s cellars and ground floor; its interiors and history often surprise guests, hiding tales about famous visitors and changes in city life.
The Sukiennice terraces offer a pleasant view over the Market Square and its movement; even a short stop there gives your visit a bird’s‑eye perspective over the city bustle.
Is entering the Sukiennice difficult for someone with mobility problems? - No, the Sukiennice Gallery has a lift and solutions for visitors with limited mobility; the only difficulty may be access to the main cloakroom, but the museum prepares an alternative cloakroom for people with mobility problems.
How much time should I plan for the gallery? - A sensible pace for seniors is 30–45 minutes of gallery viewing + 15–30 minutes break on the terrace or in a café. If someone loves art, of course you can plan a longer visit with more breaks.
Is it better to visit with a guide or independently? - Both options have advantages: a guide can adapt pace and storytelling to the group’s needs, while an audio guide allows breaks at any moment. For groups of seniors I often recommend a short guided tour or visiting at an individual pace with an audio guide.
If you liked this route, share the article with friends or family — it’s an easy way to encourage loved ones to go out together. Sharing on social media also helps others find a friendly pace for visiting Krakow.
If you’d like, I can recommend using the services of tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — tours can be tailored to the group’s pace and needs, with comfortable breaks, suggested cafés and accessibility arrangements. Details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
I wish you a calm and joyful visit — Krakow tastes best when we allow ourselves breaks, good conversations and a cup of good coffee in pleasant company.
