The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) stands in the very center of Kraków’s Main Market Square and for centuries was a hub of international trade. In medieval times merchants met here to exchange goods — from textiles to spices. Today the building combines commercial and cultural functions: on the ground floor you’ll find stalls with souvenirs and handicrafts, while the first floor houses the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, a branch of the National Museum in Kraków.
Sukiennice are more than just “souvenir stalls” — it’s worth going upstairs to see a rich collection of Polish 19th-century painting and to experience the atmosphere of a historic museum hall. Beneath the building is also the entrance to the Underground Market (Rynek Podziemny) — an archaeological exhibition that shows the history of the site from medieval times to the present.
If you want stories about the architecture and curiosities related to this place, consider a guided tour or an audio guide available in several languages.
On the ground floor of Sukiennice you’ll find traditional stalls selling souvenirs, handicrafts and leather goods — this area is free and open to all visitors. On the first floor is the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art — a permanent exhibition of the National Museum where you can see paintings and sculptures from the periods of Romanticism, Realism and Impressionism.
The building also features viewing terraces and a café (often open longer than the exhibitions during the season), and nearby is the entrance to the Underground Market, which reveals archaeological layers of the medieval Market Square. Plan your time so you can combine a visit to Sukiennice with the Underground Market and a walk around the whole Main Market Square.
Entry to the ground floor — the commercial area of Sukiennice — is free. Entrance to the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art (first floor) requires a ticket. Gallery opening hours and ticketing rules may change seasonally, so it’s worth checking current information on the museum’s site before your visit.
The museum often offers discounts (reduced, family) and free admission days for permanent exhibitions. Last visitors are usually admitted a short time before closing; ticket desks close earlier than the exhibition rooms. The museum also lends audio guides and organizes guided tours — a good option for those who want historical and artistic context for the displays.
Can I take photos? - Amateur photography in permanent exhibitions is generally allowed without additional lighting or tripods, but pay attention to notices by specific displays; some temporary exhibitions may have restrictions.
Are Sukiennice accessible for visitors with limited mobility? - The museum strives to provide accessibility: there is an elevator and adapted restrooms, but when planning your visit it’s a good idea to contact the museum staff to confirm details and any assistance you might need.
How long does it take to tour the gallery? - A relaxed viewing of the permanent collection takes about 1–2 hours. If you also want to visit the Underground Market and use the viewing terrace, plan at least 2–3 hours in total.
Are there guides at the museum? - Yes, the museum offers guided tours (also in foreign languages) and audio guide rentals. Official guides and museum educators work on site and run tours and lectures.
The busiest hours are usually between 11:00 and 16:00, especially in summer and on weekends. If you want to browse the stalls without jostling, come in the morning — right after the Market opens — or in the late afternoon just before sunset, when the light gives the square extra charm.
If you prefer a quiet gallery visit, choose a weekday and hours outside midday. Consider visiting on a Tuesday — many museums (including branches of larger institutions) have days with free or reduced admission, which can affect visitor numbers; check current rules before your trip.
Sukiennice are a classic place for souvenirs: handmade leather goods, Kraków-themed jewelry, posters and prints, magnets and local trinkets. If you’re looking for authentic handicraft, compare a few stalls — some designs are repeated in many places, but you can also find unique works by local artists.
Haggling can be possible, especially when buying several items, but mind your tone — polite questions about a discount usually work better than aggressive bargaining. Check product quality carefully before paying and ask about gift wrapping if you need it.
Toilets are available in Sukiennice and neighboring museum institutions; there are also facilities for visitors with disabilities, including an elevator to the museum floor. Ticket desks and the cloakroom usually operate until the branch closes, but confirm details a day before your visit.
If you travel with large luggage, it’s better to use luggage storage at the train station or your hotel — museum spaces are not designed for long-term storage of large suitcases. For large organized groups, booking the visit in advance is required and different organizational rules may apply.
Thinking Sukiennice are only a “souvenir market” — remember the upstairs gallery and the Underground Market to see the full context of the place.
Buying the first souvenir you spot without comparing — compare offers at several stalls, and if you want a unique item, ask about the maker or origin.
Not planning your time — Sukiennice and the surroundings offer many attractions in a compact area; start early so you can also visit nearby museums, cafés or Wawel.
During conservation and renovation works at Sukiennice, older structural elements and traces of former market functions have been uncovered — there’s more history under your feet than you might think.
Sukiennice have often had representative functions: balls and civic ceremonies were held here. The place blends commerce with a symbolic role in the city’s life.
On the ground floor, besides typical souvenirs, you may find artist-run stalls — if you come across one, you can discover a truly special gift.
Cafés and restaurants around the Main Market Square offer a wide choice — from historic cafés to well-reviewed restaurants serving traditional Polish cuisine. Classics worth mentioning include Café Noworolski (known for its historic interior and proximity to Sukiennice) and Wierzynek restaurant, which combines tradition with elegance. If you want a pleasant spot for dessert or coffee after sightseeing, choose a place with a view of the Market — the atmosphere becomes an attraction itself.
Before choosing a place, check current reviews and opening hours — in the high season some venues have long queues, so reserving a table for lunch might be a good idea.
It can be windy on the Market and the weather changes quickly — even in summer bring a light coat or a small umbrella. In summer remember hats and sunglasses; in winter wear good footwear, because the cobbles can be slippery.
If you plan to bring a larger group (family or school trip), book the guided tour in advance — the museum offers guided visits and group entry conditions.
Does visiting Sukiennice take a long time? - It depends: a short stroll through the stalls takes 15–30 minutes; a full visit to the museum gallery usually 1–2 hours; combining it with the Underground Market and the terrace can take a whole morning or afternoon.
Can you go up to the Sukiennice viewing terrace? - Yes, the terrace is available seasonally and is often accessible with a ticket for the terrace or the café. The views over the Market and the Old Town skyline are worth the small extra fee.
Are there discounts for families and youth? - Museums offer reduced and family tickets; some age categories (e.g., youth or students) may have particularly favorable prices. Check the museum’s ticket rules before purchase.
Sukiennice are one of those Kraków highlights that combine history, art and everyday city life. Approach them with curiosity: stroll between the stalls, climb up to the gallery and, if time allows, visit the Underground Market. That way you’ll experience the place fully — as a living part of the city, not just a photo in a guidebook.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like a personal, unhurried tour of Sukiennice with commentary, anecdotes and local insight — I invite you to book a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Information about services and offers is available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
Thank you for reading and enjoy your stay in Kraków — see you at the Market!
