A walk around the Main Market Square is the best way to feel Krakow’s rhythm: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) at the center, the hejnał trumpet call from St. Mary’s Tower, café terraces and historic townhouses full of stories. This area is also a natural starting point for visiting Wawel, Kazimierz and the city’s main museums.
1) Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — the heart of city life. The Cloth Hall is not only souvenir stalls on the ground floor but also the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art on the upper floor. It’s a great place to start the day with coffee and a sightseeing plan.
2) Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral — a symbol of Poland, with royal chambers, a treasury and the burial place of rulers and national heroes. Inside the cathedral pay attention to tombstones, chapels and the Sigismund Bell — it rings only on special occasions.
3) St. Mary’s Church and the hejnał — the altarpiece by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) is a masterpiece, and the daily trumpet call from the tower is a Krakow ritual you shouldn’t miss.
4) Kazimierz district — Jewish heritage, atmospheric streets, synagogues and excellent dinner spots. It’s also perfect for an evening walk and discovering cozy cafés and bars.
5) Oskar Schindler’s Factory (Museum) — a moving exhibition about the city during World War II and an example of a well-designed historical display.
6) Rynek Underground (Market Square Underground) — a modern archaeological exhibition beneath the square that reveals the city’s layers from the medieval period and earlier eras.
7) The Planty, Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate — a pleasant green belt walk around the Old Town and surviving medieval fortifications that still impress.
8) National Museum — the Cloth Hall branch and other exhibitions with important works of 19th- and 20th-century Polish art.
9) Wieliczka Salt Mine (trip outside the city) — one of the most famous attractions near Krakow: underground corridors and chapels carved from salt.
10) Czartoryski Museum / Manggha / other themed museums — pick according to your interests: old masters, Japanese art, or the city’s history.
The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art in the Cloth Hall is located on the upper floor of the historic building on the Main Market Square. It’s a perfect option if you want to combine a square stroll with a museum visit.
Hours: usually open Tuesday–Sunday around 10:00–18:00; on Mondays the museum is often closed. Ticket prices vary by type (regular, reduced, family).
Tip: some Tuesdays feature free admission to selected displays — check the current schedule before your visit.
The Cathedral and the Cathedral Museum use their own ticketing system. A regular ticket for the cathedral and museum is paid (when you buy online you typically receive a QR code). The visit covers chapels, royal tombs and many sacral monuments.
Opening hours: in the spring–summer season (April–September) the usual hours are 9:00–17:00 (Mon–Sat), Sundays from around 12:30; in the autumn–winter season hours are often 9:00–16:00 — check exact times before you come.
Rules: silence and appropriate dress (for example, shoulders should be covered) are required inside the cathedral. Photography may be restricted, and parts of the interior are closed during religious services. Reduced-price tickets require presentation of a valid document confirming eligibility.
Buy tickets online where possible — you’ll save time and secure entry at your preferred hour. Popular sites (Wawel, Market Underground, temporary museum exhibitions) can have long queues at midday.
Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. In summer the best times are the earliest slots and late afternoon.
Beware of resellers charging inflated prices — use official institution websites or on-site ticket offices.
Around the Market Square and in Kazimierz you’ll find many excellent places. For traditional, well-regarded Polish cuisine consider Wierzynek or Pod Aniołami. For coffee try Cafe Camelot or Massolit Books & Café — both are pleasant spots for a break.
In the evening Kazimierz offers lots of atmospheric bars and restaurants with international and local dishes. Choose places with good reviews and reserve a table for weekend nights.
The Cloth Hall is more than souvenirs: the upper-floor gallery houses important works of 19th-century Polish art, often overlooked by visitors who only stop for a quick photo on the square.
Beneath the Market Square lie the remains of medieval streets — visiting the Market Underground is like stepping back several centuries.
The Sigismund Bell in Wawel Cathedral rings only on special occasions — check whether a ceremony is scheduled during your visit.
Mistake: planning too many attractions in one day. Krakow has a lot to offer — it’s better to spread sightseeing over several relaxed days.
Mistake: arriving at peak time without a ticket. Solution: buy tickets online or reserve an earlier entry time.
Mistake: not checking Mass times or religious events at the Cathedral — access to some areas may be limited during services.
Are the Cloth Hall stalls free to enter? The ground-floor stalls are open without charge, but the upper-floor Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art requires a ticket.
Do you need a ticket for the Cathedral? Yes — entry to some cathedral areas and the Cathedral Museum requires a ticket; access can be limited at times (for example during services).
Is it worth visiting Wieliczka? If you have half a day or a full day, definitely — the salt mine is a unique attraction frequently praised by visitors.
Wear comfortable shoes — the cobbled streets of the Old Town and longer walks around Wawel or Kazimierz can quickly tire your feet.
Check current opening hours and prices on official museum websites before you go — seasonal changes and conservation work can affect availability.
If you want to learn more about the city and save time — consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details for the guide are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
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Want to explore Krakow with a local guide? Private tours with Małgorzata Kasprowicz can be tailored to your interests — information and contact details are available on the guide’s website.
