The Cloth Hall on the Main Market Square is one of those places that attracts visitors for more than just postcard photos. The building itself — the stalls, arcades and the neo‑Renaissance facade from the 19th‑century rebuilding — already makes an impression from the outside. But going up to the first floor, where the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art (a branch of the National Museum) is located, changes the perspective. It’s not just paintings and sculptures — it’s a piece of Polish art history, a reminder of the origins of museum institutions in Kraków and a chance to see famous works that, for many visitors, are the main reason to come.
Remember that the ground floor of the Cloth Hall is still a trading arcade with souvenirs and local handicrafts — you can stroll through it for free, soak up the atmosphere of the Market Square and do a little shopping. Underneath the Cloth Hall there is also the entrance to the Rynek Underground — a separate museum exhibition presenting the archaeology of medieval trade. If you want a compact overview of the Market Square and its history, going inside the Cloth Hall and, optionally, visiting the underground exhibition makes a lot of sense.
If you are short on time or on budget, walking around the Cloth Hall and watching Market Square life from the outside is very enjoyable — but if you want a fuller experience of art and history, allow at least 1–1.5 hours for an indoor visit.
On the first floor of the Cloth Hall you’ll find the permanent exhibition of the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art — a collection of painting and sculpture that contains works important to the history of Polish art. It’s the best way to understand artistic changes from the Enlightenment through the beginnings of modernism in Poland.
The ground floor is a market hall with stalls and cafés. On the roof there are viewing terraces and a small café that offer a pleasant panorama of the Old Town. Access to the terraces is sometimes included with the gallery ticket or available separately for a small fee — check current conditions at the ticket desk.
Ticket prices and discount rules change from time to time, but there is generally a distinction between full‑price, reduced and family tickets. On some days (for example Tuesdays) the National Museum offers free entry to permanent exhibitions — keep in mind that these days attract more visitors. The museum also offers audio guides and guided tours; guided group visits and tours led by museum staff are subject to additional fees. The Rynek Underground is a separate exhibition with its own ticketing.
The choice between a private guide and a tour from a travel agency depends on your expectations, travel style and budget. Agency tours often provide convenience: a planned schedule, sometimes transport, a set program and a ready‑made group. They work well for visitors who want a done‑for‑you plan and prefer not to worry about logistics.
A private guide gives a very different kind of flexibility: you can set the pace, focus on exhibits that interest you, ask questions as they come to mind and dive deeper into topics that fascinate you. For the Cloth Hall a private tour often means richer historical and artistic context and practical tips for continuing your visit around the Market Square and its surroundings. If you’re traveling with children, older people or have limited time, a private guide helps you use your visit as efficiently as possible.
Pros and cons in short: group tour = cheaper, less flexible, good choice for those who enjoy company; private guide = pricier, highly flexible, better for curious and demanding visitors.
If you care about deeper knowledge of the collection or you have limited time to visit — a private guide is a great investment. You’ll get historical context for the works, learn why some paintings caused scandal in their day, and receive recommendations for what to see next in Kraków.
Consider a guide if you plan to visit on a free‑admission day: crowds on those days can reduce the comfort of self‑guided visiting, while a guide can lead you efficiently through the most important rooms. A guide can also help with practicalities: how to buy tickets online, how to access the roof terrace, which temporary exhibitions are running and how to combine your visit with nearby attractions.
A standard visit to the Cloth Hall gallery lasts about 1–1.5 hours for someone who wants to see the main rooms at a moderate pace. If you’re especially interested in art history or plan to see a temporary exhibition, allow more time.
If you also plan to visit the Rynek Underground, add another 1–1.5 hours. Think about the order: a morning walk around the Market Square, then the gallery, finishing with the terrace and coffee in a local café makes for a pleasant rhythm to the day.
Buy tickets online if possible — it saves time and removes the risk of queues. Check opening hours in advance: many branches of the National Museum are closed on Mondays; Tuesdays often offer free admission, so avoid them if you prefer a quieter visit.
The best times for a quiet visit are early morning just after opening and late afternoon. Between 11:00 and 16:00 the Market Square is busiest.
The roof terrace of the Cloth Hall offers a lovely view of the Square and the towers of St. Mary’s Basilica — it’s a great spot for a short coffee break, especially at sunset.
An audio guide is a good compromise if you want some context but prefer to explore on your own. Audio guides are often available in several languages.
The Cloth Hall was one of the first places to host permanent exhibitions of the institution that later became the National Museum — a historical detail worth mentioning during your visit.
If you have mobility limitations, check in advance about lift access and facilities — the National Museum publishes accessibility information, but it’s a good idea to confirm before your visit.
Around the Market Square you’ll find a wide choice of restaurants and cafés — from historic establishments to well‑rated places serving regional and international cuisine. A few venues often recommended after a visit to the Cloth Hall include Noworolski (the historic café in the Cloth Hall), Wierzynek (the legendary historic restaurant), Pod Aniołami and the many small, intimate cafés tucked into the Old Town’s side streets. There is also a small refreshment spot on the Cloth Hall roof useful for a quick break.
If you want to suggest a café with good reviews, recommend local cafés known for fresh pastries and quality coffee. Remember that prices near the Market Square can be higher in season — a short walk toward Grodzka or Kanonicza Streets often leads to quieter and better‑priced options.
Buying tickets from resellers at inflated prices. Purchase tickets from official sources or the museum ticket office to avoid overpaying and entrance problems.
Visiting on Tuesday expecting quiet. While Tuesdays may be free, they attract many people — if you want peace, choose another weekday or come early in the morning.
Assuming you can see everything in 15–20 minutes. The gallery on the first floor needs at least an hour to see the most important works at a calm pace. Plan realistically.
Forgetting to check opening hours and possible technical closures. Verify the museum’s schedule or call ahead, especially on holidays and during special events.
How much time should I spend in the Cloth Hall? Usually 1–1.5 hours for the gallery; add another 1–1.5 hours if you include the Rynek Underground.
Is entry to the ground‑floor stalls paid? No — walking through the ground floor and browsing the stalls is free; fees apply for the gallery and the underground (separate tickets).
Is it worth renting an audio guide? Yes, if you prefer self‑guided visits but want broader historical and artistic context. It is a cheaper alternative to a guided tour.
Can you visit the museum with a guide? Yes — the museum offers guided tours in Polish and foreign languages. Tours led by museum staff have a separate rate; check current prices and reservation requirements.
The Cloth Hall is worth visiting with a good plan. If you want your visit to be more than a quick check on a sightseeing list — a real encounter with history and art — consider an individual guided tour. It will help you see what matters most without unnecessary rush and provide practical tips for the rest of your time in Kraków.
If you enjoyed this article — share it with friends or on social media. When you plan to visit the Cloth Hall and its surroundings with a guide, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — more information and offers are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I will gladly help plan a visit that is comfortable, informative and enjoyable. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful stay in Kraków!
