If you're on the Main Market Square near the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and it starts pouring — the fastest shelter is under the Sukiennice arcades or by stepping into one of the cafés or restaurants facing the square. If you have a little time and want to use the rainy moment for something interesting: go up to the 19th‑century Polish Art Gallery in the Cloth Hall or descend to the Rynek Underground — both options are dry and worthwhile alternatives to walking in the rain. In very bad weather a short taxi ride or a few minutes' walk to the nearby Galeria Krakowska will protect you until the weather improves.
Sukiennice are not only a symbol of Krakow's Market Square — they are a historic market hall with a covered passage and arcades that do a great job protecting you from light rain. Stalls and booths are usually open from the morning and many operate into the afternoon, so if you want to pause and browse handmade goods it’s a good idea even in changeable weather. Keep in mind that in high season the entrances and arcades can get crowded — if you want more privacy, consider going up to the first floor where the National Museum gallery is located.
On the first floor of the Cloth Hall you'll find the permanent exhibition of the Gallery of 19th‑century Polish Art. It’s an excellent place for a dry, calm break surrounded by paintings and sculptures — especially useful when the rain lasts for hours. When planning a visit, remember opening hours and possible closed days (museums sometimes have days off or shorter hours). Guides employed by the institution are sometimes available — if you enjoy stories with context, checking for guided tours is worth it.
If you want to escape the rain for longer and at the same time learn something fascinating about Krakow, the Rynek Underground is an excellent option. In this interactive museum beneath the square you'll see medieval foundations, reconstructions of old stalls and multimedia displays. It's a particularly good choice with children because the exhibition is often very engaging and has zones designed for the youngest visitors. When planning, take into account the visit length (usually expect at least an hour) and opening hours — some days or times change seasonally, and sometimes there are special free entry days, so it's worth checking before you go.
St. Mary's Basilica on the Market Square is not only a landmark but also a dry and atmospheric place to visit in the rain. The Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) altarpiece is the main reason to go inside — if you are nearby at noon you may catch the unveiling of the altar and hear the hejnał from the tower. Remember that part of the church is a place of worship and during some services visiting may be limited. Access to the tower (if available) is sometimes limited by number of visitors — plan for that in your schedule.
Some tried-and-true spots near Sukiennice that we recommend on rainy days: Camelot (ul. Św. Tomasza) — a cosy café with intimate rooms, perfect for lingering; Massolit Books & Cafe (near the square) — a book café, great if you want to hide away with a hot drink; Café Noworolski — the historic café on the ground floor of the Cloth Hall, if you want to feel a bit of old Krakow atmosphere. If you’re planning a longer sit-down lunch in elegant surroundings, restaurants such as Szara on the square offer good standards and shelter from the weather.
If rain disrupts your lunch plans, consider places with solid reputations that accept reservations — this saves you standing in the rain waiting for a table. Near Sukiennice we recommend establishments known for quality: Szara (modern cuisine, guide-recommended), Wierzynek (historic interiors and classic Polish atmosphere) and Piwnica Pod Baranami — a great choice for an evening with music or cabaret if you plan to stay late. For popular venues it's better to reserve a table in advance.
- Check opening hours: some museums and galleries are closed on Mondays or have seasonal shorter hours.
- Be prepared for payment methods: historic cafés and some places still prefer cash or have their own rules — carry small change.
- If you plan to visit exhibitions or the Underground, buy tickets online when possible — this saves time standing outside in heavy rain.
- In strong, windy rain the arcades won't always keep you completely dry — an umbrella and a light waterproof jacket are still a tourist’s best friends.
The Rynek Underground offers special children's zones and interactive elements that turn a visit into an adventure. Museums with educational programmes (sometimes workshops are available) are a good option when outdoor play isn't possible. Cafés with space for prams or a changing area, and family‑friendly corners, also make it easier to survive a long rainy afternoon.
1) Assuming the Sukiennice arcades will protect against every kind of weather — in strong wind rain can still blow in sideways. A safer plan is to go into a café or a museum.
2) Not checking museum and cathedral hours — many places have different visiting rules and closed days; plan alternatives.
3) Not booking at popular restaurants — when it rains many visitors choose cozy interiors, so tables can run out.
4) Buying tickets from private sellers at the entrance — use official ticket sales to avoid overpaying.
- To avoid crowds, visit Sukiennice or the Rynek Underground in the morning or late afternoon.
- It's useful to have a public transport app or a taxi number in your phone — in heavy rain public transport and cabs will save your day.
- If your time is limited, make a 'Plan B': a quick visit to the Cloth Hall gallery + coffee at Camelot or Massolit, then return to outdoor walks when the weather clears.
Are the Sukiennice open every day? - Stalls usually operate most days, but hours vary by season; museums located in the Cloth Hall have their own opening hours and occasional free-entry days, so check before you come.
Is the Rynek Underground good for children? - Yes, it's one of the best central options for a rainy day with kids thanks to interactive displays and special zones.
Is entry to St. Mary's Basilica paid? - Parts of the church are available to tourists during specific hours for a small fee; visiting may be limited during services.
Can you buy things at Sukiennice during the rain? - Yes — the stalls sell handicrafts, souvenirs and leather goods — the covered stop is a good chance to shop without getting wet.
- For centuries the Cloth Hall has been the city's commercial centre and still hums with market atmosphere — it's not just a tourist showpiece but a living tradition.
- The Rynek Underground hides real fragments of Krakow's medieval fabric — during heavy rain, a walk below ground can be as exciting as a sunny stroll through the Old Town.
If you like, I can help plan a short rainy‑day itinerary in Krakow — I will arrange a route to make the most of your time, taking into account your preferences (museums, cafés, lunch, shopping).
If you are planning a guided visit, consider booking a private guide service with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she can help plan the tour, reserve tickets and restaurant tables, and handle transport logistics so the rain won't ruin your day in Krakow. (Contact details are available on the page that published this article.)
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media so other visitors know how to weather a rainy day in the heart of Krakow.
