The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) has stood in the middle of the Main Market Square since the 13th century, but its current appearance is the result of many reconstructions — especially after a 16th-century fire and the 1877–1879 renovation. On the first floor you will find the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, and beneath the building there is the entrance to the fascinating Market Underground.
Sukiennice is a place where trading history meets art and archaeology — a walk around the Market Square isn’t complete without a short visit inside and a descent below the square’s surface.
If you want to make the most of your visit, read this guide: step by step we’ll cover tickets, opening hours, the suggested route, places for coffee and a few practical tips that will save you time and nerves.
The Gallery in the Sukiennice is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, most commonly around 10:00–18:00; Mondays are closed. Some Tuesdays may offer free admission to the permanent exhibitions — a good opportunity, but expect many more visitors then.
Ticket prices for the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art usually include standard (full) and reduced fares, family tickets and very low or symbolic prices for youth in certain age ranges. Check exact rates and available concessions at the museum ticket office or the online sales system before your visit.
Sukiennice are in the heart of the Old Town, so the best ways to get there are by tram or on foot from the Main Railway Station (about 15–25 minutes depending on your pace). There are paid parking zones in the centre, so parking a car directly by the Market is often challenging.
The ground floor of the Sukiennice traditionally houses stalls with souvenirs, handicrafts and jewelry; strolling under the arcades you’ll easily find both classic keepsakes and products from local artisans. During the tourist season the stalls can get crowded — if you want to browse the shops calmly, come in the morning.
On the ground floor you’ll also find the famous Noworolski Café, a place with more than a century of history, loved by locals and visitors alike. It’s a good spot for a break after sightseeing, especially if you want to feel the atmosphere of a historic café in the heart of the Square.
If you plan to buy souvenirs, compare prices and pay attention to the quality of goods (for example handcrafted items, pottery, amber jewelry). The best shopping is often done outside peak hours, when sellers have more time to tell you about the product.
On the first floor of the Sukiennice there is a branch of the National Museum presenting Polish painting and sculpture of the 19th century. The exhibition includes works by artists such as Jan Matejko, Jacek Malczewski and Władysław Podkowiński, as well as many pieces donated to the museum by collectors and artists.
In the gallery rooms it’s worth lingering in front of a few "magnetic" paintings — the experience is quite different from walking through the ground-floor market. If you value quiet viewing, choose morning hours on a weekday. Remember that the last visitors are usually admitted about 20 minutes before closing.
Audioguides and guided tours are available in the gallery — if you want deeper historical and artistic context, book in advance through the museum’s reservation centre.
The entrance to the Market Underground Museum is located directly at the Sukiennice; it is a multimedia archaeological exhibition that shows the city layers of Kraków from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The visit complements a walk on the surface — you can see fragments of the authentic medieval pavement and learn about everyday objects from those times.
The Underground is interactive and family-friendly; the exhibition is well prepared for visitors with strollers and families with children, though it’s worth checking current hours and entry rules before your trip (entries may be limited).
If you plan to do both attractions in one day — a sensible order is usually: Market Underground in the morning (less crowded), then a walk among the ground-floor stalls and lunch, and the Gallery on the first floor in the afternoon.
1. Come in the morning, right after the museums open, to avoid crowds at the ground floor and the ticket desks. 2. If you want to save money, check whether free admission to permanent exhibitions is offered on Tuesday — be prepared for more people. 3. Start with the Market Underground (entrance at the Sukiennice), because it tells a lot about the Market’s history and provides great context. 4. After coming up from the Underground, walk under the arcades, look at the stalls and stop for coffee at Noworolski or another recommended café. 5. Finish with the first-floor Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art — after time outside, the art will feel even more meaningful. Duration: from a quick 90-minute visit to a longer 2.5-hour visit including a coffee break.
If your time in Kraków is limited you can shorten the plan: choose either Underground + ground floor, or ground floor + gallery. For art lovers, I definitely recommend making time for the first floor.
Around the Market there are many restaurants of different styles — from historic venues to modern bistros. If you want a historical atmosphere, include Noworolski Café on your list — it has long tradition and elegant interiors.
If you plan to eat at a popular Market restaurant, a reservation is recommended during the tourist season and on weekends. For a short break we also recommend stalls with local snacks — from obwarzanki (bread rings) to regional specialties — which will top up your energy and get you back to sightseeing quickly.
When choosing a place, check reviews and ratings — it’s best to pick venues with good feedback, because tourist traffic is high and quality can vary.
- The mascarons (decorative faces) that adorn the Sukiennice attic come from Renaissance embellishments and are a characteristic feature of the building’s silhouette.
- Sukiennice also served a representational function: after the 19th-century renovation there were balls and ceremonies here, and the first floor was the first home of the National Museum in Kraków.
- Pay attention to craftsmanship details at the stalls — often the people behind them are the actual creators rather than wholesale sellers; if you want an original, ask about materials and how the piece was made.
Buying tickets from dubious resellers — avoid secondary sellers and buy at the museum ticket office or the official online sale system.
Arriving at midday in peak season without planning — if you care about quiet and comfort, choose opening time or late afternoon on weekdays.
Neglecting the Underground — it’s not just "cellars", but a well-prepared archaeological exhibition that greatly enriches understanding of the Market; allow at least 45–60 minutes.
How much time should I allow for visiting the Sukiennice? The standard time is 90–150 minutes (Underground + ground floor + gallery), but you can adapt the plan to your interests.
Do I need to reserve tickets? Online reservation can be useful in high season; for some days (for example free Tuesdays) expect limited capacity and longer queues.
Are the Sukiennice accessible for visitors with disabilities? Most museum branches in the centre have accessibility solutions, but check specific information about ramps, lifts and toilets before arrival.
Can I take photos? You can usually photograph on the ground floor, but gallery rules apply on the first floor (sometimes no flash). Confirm at the ticket desk.
Sukiennice combine trade, art and archaeology — perfect for a short stop or a longer dive into Kraków’s history. Plan your visit around quieter hours, check opening times and tickets online, go down into the Underground and don’t skip the first-floor gallery.
If this guide helped you, share it with friends on social media — it’s an easy way to help others plan a great stay in Kraków.
If you’d like to visit with a guide, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and booking details are available from the guide.
