The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) is the heart of the Main Market Square and a place that combines medieval trading history with an art gallery and the unique atmosphere of an urban marketplace. Even the sight of its facade and the row of stalls tells part of Kraków’s story — for centuries trade took place here, and merchants arrived from across Europe and the East. For a first-time visitor to Kraków, the Sukiennice are an ideal landmark: from here you can easily reach Wawel, St. Mary’s Basilica and many cafés overlooking the Square.
Visiting the Sukiennice offers many options: a free walk through the ground-floor market stalls, a visit to the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art on the upper floor, and — for history lovers — a link with the Underground Market exhibition. It’s a place where you can feel the city’s pulse and step into the world of Polish art at the same time.
If you want a strong first impression of Kraków, plan to visit the Sukiennice early — you’ll see how the whole Market Square buzzes with life and you’ll quickly get your bearings in the city centre.
The market hall on the ground floor of the Sukiennice is open to everyone and you can walk through it without a ticket — this is where the stalls with souvenirs, local products and crafts are located. It’s a great place for a quick look or to buy a keepsake.
Admission to the exhibitions in the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art (on the upper floor) is paid. The museum sets prices for full, reduced and family tickets; young people in certain age groups often have a very favourable — sometimes symbolic — rate. Check the current price list and buy tickets online if possible to avoid queues, especially during the high season.
The Underground Market (Rynek Podziemny) is a separate attraction with its own ticket. If you’re curious about the city’s history beneath the Square, plan a separate ticket for that exhibition.
The gallery in the Sukiennice generally follows standard museum hours — most often around 10:00–18:00 from Tuesday to Sunday; many branches are closed on Mondays. The last visitors are usually admitted about 20 minutes before closing, so plan your visit with some time to spare.
The best times for a calm visit to the stalls and the gallery are early morning just after opening, or late afternoon/evening when some tourists have already left the Square. If you want photos of the Sukiennice without the crowds, go very early (before 10:00) or later when the square is quieter.
Also note days with free admission to permanent exhibitions — these are sometimes specific weekdays (for example, Tuesday). Keep in mind that free days usually mean significantly more visitors.
1. Check the opening hours and buy a ticket online if possible — this will shorten your wait at the ticket desk.
2. First, walk through the ground floor of the Sukiennice: it’s a quick introduction to the place’s atmosphere and a chance for small purchases or souvenir photos.
3. Take a map or download an audio guide if you prefer to explore on your own. Audio guides are available in several languages and let you pause at chosen works.
4. Go up to the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art — here you’ll meet the key names and styles of Polish 19th-century art. Allow at least 45–90 minutes, depending on your interest in art.
5. If you have time and interest, visit the Underground Market — tickets are separate and it's worth reserving another 45–60 minutes.
6. After visiting, take a break in one of the nearby cafés or restaurants and enjoy some rest while watching the life of the Market Square.
The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art presents works that document the birth and development of modern Polish art — historical painting, landscapes, portraits and socially themed works. A walk through the exhibition is a good way to understand Poland’s cultural and artistic context at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
In the gallery you’ll find works by artists whose names appear in Polish art history — seeing them in the original has a much stronger effect than reproductions in guidebooks. Don’t rush through the key exhibits: read the descriptions and use the information available in each room.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions — if your visit coincides with a special show, you may see unusual pairings or a retrospective.
At the Sukiennice stalls you’ll find souvenirs, jewelry, wooden items, ceramics, handmade crafts and local products. If you’re looking for a quality souvenir, pay attention to good workmanship and materials.
Prices at the stalls can sometimes be negotiated, especially for larger purchases. A short, polite question about the price and a possible discount can pay off — remember to stay polite and smile. For more expensive items, compare a few stalls before buying.
Avoid buying electronic “bargain” souvenirs of dubious quality. If you want to support local makers, look for craft labels or short descriptions of the authors.
After visiting, it’s worth resting in one of the nearby, well-regarded cafés or restaurants. For classic atmosphere and tradition consider Restaurant Wierzynek — a historic place with a long tradition, ideal for a special meal. For coffee and cake, Café Camelot is popular for its atmosphere and quality pastries. For a more elegant lunch, the restaurant Szara offers local flavours with a modern touch.
For a quick bite and local treats, explore the side streets around the Square — there are often smaller, highly rated bars and bakeries. Keep in mind that the most popular places can be busy, so booking a table for lunch in well-known restaurants is a good idea.
If you have dietary preferences (vegan, gluten-free), check the menu online or ask the staff — many places now offer good options for different diets.
Arriving at the height of the crowds without a plan — the result: queues, crush and a less pleasant visit. Solution: come in the morning or evening, buy tickets online.
Assuming everything in the Sukiennice is free — the ground floor is free, but the upper-floor exhibitions and the Underground Market are paid; have a card or cash ready.
Buying a souvenir at the first stall you see without comparing prices — compare a few stalls and negotiate for larger purchases.
Ignoring information about closures and holidays — check museum opening hours before you set off, especially if you plan to visit on a Monday or a public holiday.
For centuries the Sukiennice were not only a place for trading cloth — spices, silks and luxury goods from distant lands were also imported here. While walking the ground floor, imagine what once counted as luxury goods.
Permanent museum displays began to appear on the Sukiennice upper floor at the end of the 19th century — this is where the idea of a permanent presentation of artworks in Kraków developed.
The Underground Market, which can be combined with a visit to the Sukiennice, reveals archaeological traces of urban life from past centuries — a great complement to what you see on the surface.
Can I enter the Sukiennice without a ticket? Yes — the ground floor with the stalls is public and free. Exhibitions on the upper floor and the Underground Market require paid tickets.
Is it worth buying a ticket online? Yes — especially outside the low season or on free-admission days it’s good to reserve a place to avoid queues.
How much time should I set aside for a visit? For the ground floor and a short walk allow 30–45 minutes; for the upper gallery plan 45–90 minutes; if you add the Underground Market, add another 45–60 minutes.
Are there guides at the Sukiennice? The museum offers audio guides and guided tours. Ask at the ticket desk about official tours organised by the institution.
Pack comfortable shoes — the Market Square area is cobbled and you’ll do a lot of walking.
Take the weather into account: in summer bring sun protection and water; in winter dress warmly — the Square is open and often windy.
If you want photos without crowds — come very early, even before the official opening of the exhibitions. Photography in the museum rooms may be limited — check the rules at the entrance.
Have questions or want a more personalised visit? On the page of guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz you’ll find information about guided tours and contact details — a great option if you want a route tailored to your interests and extra anecdotes told in a friendly way.
The Sukiennice are a place that brings together history, art and the everyday life of Kraków. A well-planned visit will let you feel the city’s atmosphere, see important works of art and enjoy a good meal with a view of the Square.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media so others can better prepare for their first visit to Kraków.
If you’d like a personalised commentary and a route adjusted to your interests, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
