The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) are one of Kraków’s most characteristic landmarks — they run along the center of the Main Market Square and have been the city’s social and commercial hub for centuries. The first trading hall dates back to the medieval period, and over the years the building was rebuilt and embellished, so today you can see a blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements. Thanks to their unique location and long history, the Sukiennice have become a symbol of Kraków and a must-see stop for visitors. Today the ground floor is occupied by stalls selling souvenirs, jewelry and handicrafts, while the upper floor houses an important cultural institution — the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, a branch of the National Museum in Kraków. Major 19th-century renovations gave the building a representative character and allowed the adaptation of spaces for exhibitions. Social and commercial life has always revolved around the Sukiennice — from medieval merchants to today’s tourists and residents. It’s a place where history meets everyday life: cafés and meeting spots operate alongside museum rooms, creating a varied visiting experience. It’s worth remembering that the Sukiennice are also part of the historic urban layout inscribed on the UNESCO list as the Main Market Square and Old Town. A walk around and beneath the Sukiennice offers a good overview of Kraków’s rich past — from trade to art and cultural life.
Wooden buildings on the site of today’s Sukiennice already stood in the 13th century, when the Main Market Square was becoming the city’s commercial center. In the 14th century the hall was expanded in the Gothic style, and in the mid-16th century it was transformed with the Renaissance appearance that we still recognize today outside and inside. After damage and the passage of time the building was renovated several times; one of the most important restorations took place in 1877–1879 when it was given a more representative look and rooms were prepared for museum displays. Since the late 19th century the Sukiennice have been closely linked to the history of the National Museum in Kraków — some of the first national permanent collections were displayed in their halls. In the 20th and 21st centuries the spaces have been modernized while preserving the historic character and opening new exhibition forms to the public.
On the upper floor of the Sukiennice is the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art — the National Museum’s permanent exhibition showcasing important works of Polish painting and sculpture from the 19th century, including pieces by artists such as Jan Matejko and Józef Chełmoński. The ground floor is filled with market stalls where you’ll find a wide selection of souvenirs, jewelry (including amber craft) and handmade gifts. Beneath the Sukiennice there is also the entrance to the Main Market Underground — a modern museum exhibition that lets you walk under the Market and see remains of old trade routes and medieval city structures. Nearby you’ll also find the historic Noworolski café — a classic spot at the Sukiennice visited by travelers who want to take a break. It’s a good idea to combine a gallery visit with a short walk through the ground-floor arcades to soak up the Market atmosphere, where history and modern life mix very directly.
The Sukiennice façades draw attention with their rhythmic arcades and decorative gables — features that reflect successive rebuildings and aesthetic tastes of different eras. Watch for ornate portals, attics and carved stone details that bear traces of varying architectural styles. Traditional stalls still operate under the arcades, and in some passageways you can spot historic gas lighting — a small but charming detail that often goes unnoticed in the rush of sightseeing. The gallery rooms upstairs preserve a historic layout while adapting to modern exhibition needs and visitor comfort. With a careful look you can sense subtle tensions between the building’s old trading function and its current cultural role.
The Sukiennice address is Main Market Square 3 — they are right in the center of the Old Town, so most attractions are within easy walking distance. The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art (a branch of the National Museum) is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, with Monday often being the museum’s day off; Tuesday is commonly the free-entry day for permanent exhibitions, but it’s worth checking current details before your visit on the museum’s official channels. The entrance to the Main Market Underground is located in the Sukiennice area — it’s a separate attraction that requires its own ticket and time to explore. If you want to avoid crowds and get better photos, choose early mornings or late afternoons outside the high season. Remember that in summer the Market Square is very busy — keep this in mind when planning walks and coffee breaks.
Many visitors stay only on the ground floor and buy souvenirs without comparing prices — it’s worth looking around several stalls and choosing trusted products. Another mistake is rushing through the gallery — the 19th-century collection deserves attention, so plan at least an hour for the visit. Some tourists forget to check museum opening days and hours — Monday is often closed, so don’t plan a gallery visit then. Watch for busy times in the season and at peak hours — if you want photos without people, come early in the morning or choose less crowded times. Avoid buying souvenirs that look mass-produced and low-quality — it’s better to spend a bit more on unique handmade items that reflect the region’s character.
The Sukiennice in Kraków are a historic trading hall located in the very center of the Main Market Square. The original buildings appeared as early as the 13th century, and later reconstructions added Gothic and Renaissance elements. For centuries the building was a lively trade center where merchants sold cloth, salt and goods from distant lands. Today the ground floor still houses stalls with souvenirs and handicrafts that attract visitors from around the world. The upper floor contains the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art — a branch of the National Museum in Kraków. The Sukiennice were also a site of important civic ceremonies and social gatherings in the city’s history. In the 19th century a restoration transformed them into representative interiors with exhibition rooms. Remains of former trade routes have been discovered beneath the Sukiennice — they can now be seen in the underground exhibition. The Sukiennice are a symbol of Kraków and a must-visit place for tourists. A walk around the Sukiennice helps understand the important role trade and culture played in the city’s history.
Are the Sukiennice free to enter? Access to the ground-floor stalls is open and free, while museums and the underground exhibition require tickets; free entry to the National Museum’s permanent displays is commonly offered on Tuesdays. How long does it take to see the gallery in the Sukiennice? Allow at least 60–90 minutes for a calm visit to the permanent exhibition. Are there guides at the Sukiennice? Museum branches sometimes have professional guides employed by the institution — if you want a guided tour, ask about official guiding services available through the museum. Is it worth visiting the Main Market Underground? Yes — it’s a modern exhibition showing archaeological and urban layers of the city and offers a different perspective on Kraków’s history. Are there good places for coffee or lunch nearby? You’ll find many recommended spots nearby, including the historic Noworolski café and the Wierzynek restaurant — both are known for their tradition and positive reviews.
To enjoy a historical atmosphere during a break, visit Café Noworolski under the Sukiennice — it’s a classic place with a long tradition. For a more formal meal consider the Wierzynek restaurant, known for its timeless character and frequent positive feedback from guests. Around the Market you’ll also find many small cafés and ice-cream parlors — choose places with a large number of good reviews to avoid disappointment. After visiting the Sukiennice it’s worth walking toward St. Mary’s Church, the Town Hall Tower and Floriańska Street — these nearby landmarks form a compact part of the historic center that’s easy to include in one sightseeing plan. If you plan to dine at popular restaurants, remember to reserve a table in high season to avoid long waits.
Did you know that for decades the image of the Sukiennice appeared on banknotes and postcards, becoming a nationwide symbol of the city? Historic gas lighting survives under some of the Sukiennice arcades — a small but charming detail for those who notice such things. If you want a nice photo of the building with fewer people, pick a morning time — before most shops open the Market is usually calmer. Avoid buying souvenirs too hastily — look for local and handcrafted products that better reflect the region. If you plan a group visit, check the possibility of arranging entry or a guided tour with museum staff — this is often the most reliable way to tour with expert commentary.
The Sukiennice combine history, commerce and art — it’s worth spending time to look both at the façade and at what lies inside and beneath the ground. If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social profiles to help others better plan their trip to Kraków. If you would like to visit the Sukiennice and nearby sites with a local who knows the city well and will tell its stories in an engaging, unhurried way, consider the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and booking information are available on the guide’s website. I wish you a great visit to Kraków and much enjoyment exploring the city!
