The Sukiennice stand in the very heart of the Main Market Square and are often the first thing that catches the eye of visitors to Krakow. They are more than souvenir stalls — on the upper floor is the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Painting and Sculpture (a branch of the National Museum), and from the Sukiennice you can also enter the Rynek Underground to learn about the city’s medieval past. For many tourists, coming here first is a natural choice: you are immediately in the center of activity and close to cafés, restaurants and major attractions.
The walk from the Main Railway Station to the Sukiennice is pleasant — this part of the city buzzes with life and lets you feel Krakow’s atmosphere straight away. Depending on the route you choose, the walk usually takes about 10 to 25 minutes and covers roughly 1.3–1.7 km by foot.
The simplest way: leave the Main Railway Station via the main exit toward Galeria Krakowska, walk through the shopping center or along its outside, head for the Planty park belt and follow it to Floriańska Street — that street leads straight to the Market Square, with the Sukiennice on your right. The whole route takes about 10–15 minutes at a steady pace with no long stops.
If you have heavy luggage or prefer a gentler walk, go along Lubicz Street toward the center and then turn toward the Planty — this is also a clear and safe route.
1. After arrival, exit the Main Railway Station by the main exit toward Galeria Krakowska. 2. Walk through the mall foyer or along the pavement beside it and head southwest toward the Planty — the green belt surrounding the Old Town. 3. Choose an entrance onto the Planty near Basztowa Street / the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre and follow the avenue toward St. Florian’s Gate. 4. Continue along Floriańska Street toward the Main Market Square — after a short while you will see the towers of St. Mary’s Basilica and the facade of the Sukiennice. The whole route is well signed, without narrow confusing alleys; your walking pace determines the time — at a leisurely pace allow about 15–20 minutes.
This is a good choice if you want to admire the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre, a stretch of the Planty and the handsome townhouses around the Old Town on the way.
1. Exit the station and walk along Lubicz Street. 2. Continue straight on the pavement until you reach the junction with Szpitalna and Basztowa Streets. 3. Turn onto Szpitalna, then make your way to Floriańska Street, which leads directly to the Market Square. The route is intuitive and often chosen by people arriving with large bags, because it follows wide streets and feels less “touristy” than the direct entrance via the Planty. The walk usually takes 12–20 minutes.
Key landmarks are: Galeria Krakowska (along the way), the intersection with Basztowa Street and the point where Floriańska opens onto the Market Square.
On the walk from the station to the Sukiennice you’ll pass a few handy stops: Galeria Krakowska (if you need a shop or restroom), the Planty — the green belt around the Old Town — and the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre near Floriańska Street. In the Market Square you’ll of course find the Sukiennice, St. Mary’s Basilica, the Adam Mickiewicz monument and many cafés and restaurants.
If you want a quick rest, consider a break at a well-known café: Café Noworolski at the Sukiennice is a classic with a long history. Nearby there are also popular, highly rated restaurants such as Hawełka and Szara Gęś w Kuchni.
- If you arrive with heavy luggage, consider a taxi or use the left-luggage services at the Main Railway Station; walking with heavy suitcases can be tiring.
- There are public restrooms on and near the Market Square as well as facilities inside museums; if you need an accessible restroom, check opening hours and availability at official museum points.
- The Sukiennice house museum exhibitions, so check opening hours and ticket prices on the day you plan to visit. Museums often have official guides employed by the institutions — if you want an expert commentary, ask about guide services at the ticket desk.
If you prefer not to walk, trams and buses run between the Main Railway Station and the city center. Stops such as Poczta Główna or Plac Wszystkich Świętych are close to the Market Square and get you there quickly with little effort.
A taxi is convenient, especially in the evening or with heavy luggage — the taxi rank is directly in front of the station. Keep in mind that during peak season road traffic can be affected by closures and events on the Market Square.
If you want a well-reviewed restaurant after arriving at the Sukiennice, consider local classics around the Market: Hawełka (known for traditional Polish dishes), Szara Gęś w Kuchni (Polish cuisine with a modern twist) and the Sukiennice Restaurant — each of these places has a long-standing reputation and positive guest reviews.
For a quick dessert or coffee visit Café Noworolski — a historic spot with atmosphere. If you’d like a view over the Market Square, check whether the Sukiennice rooftop café or terrace is open — the panorama can be a rewarding end to the walk.
Mistake: planning the walk without considering luggage or weather. Solution: if you have heavy suitcases, consider a taxi or luggage storage at the station. Bring an umbrella or jacket — Krakow’s weather can be changeable.
Mistake: expecting the Sukiennice to be only a souvenir market. Solution: take time to visit the upstairs gallery and, if you’re interested in history, visit the Rynek Underground.
Mistake: ignoring museum and café opening hours. Solution: check online or at the tourist information point before entering — especially in winter or on public holidays.
How long does the walk from the Main Railway Station to the Sukiennice take? Usually about 10 to 25 minutes depending on pace and route.
Is the route safe and well signed? Yes — main routes follow wide streets and the Planty; they are popular with locals and tourists alike.
Are the Sukiennice accessible for wheelchair users? The National Museum branch at the Sukiennice has facilities such as a lift to the exhibition floor; however, it’s a good idea to confirm accessibility details at the museum ticket desk before your visit.
Is it worth walking instead of taking the tram? If you have time and want to see parts of the city on the way — definitely yes. Walking lets you soak up Krakow’s atmosphere and stop at interesting points.
Early morning is a great time for photos without crowds — if you reach the Market Square early, the Sukiennice and St. Mary’s Basilica make a strong impression.
If you plan to visit the Rynek Underground, buy tickets in advance or enquire at the tourist information point on the Square — queues can be long in high season.
Keep some small change for purchases from craftsmen at the Sukiennice — many stalls accept cards, but small cash can be more convenient.
If you want your visit to Krakow to be stress-free and make the most of your time, Małgorzata Kasprowicz is happy to help with planning routes, booking museum tickets, reserving tables at recommended restaurants, and organising transport and accommodation. Contact details for Małgorzata are available on the article page — this is a good option if you want a personalised itinerary and local knowledge.
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