The Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art in the Sukiennice (National Museum in Krakow, Main Market Square 3) is an excellent starting point — right in the heart of the Old Town, it combines the long history of the place with a collection that gives a great context for what you’ll see next. After its 19th‑century renovation the Sukiennice became the first permanent seat of the National Museum in Krakow (the institution was founded in 1879), so entering here feels like beginning your walk at the source of the city’s cultural life.
The National Museum has many branches (Main Building, Sukiennice, the Czartoryski collection and others). When planning, remember opening hours and rules: MNK branches are usually closed on Mondays, Tuesdays can be a free‑entry day for permanent exhibitions, and ticket offices often admit the last visitors about 20 minutes before closing. Buying tickets online can help you avoid queues and save time.
This plan is designed to show the key points of the Old Town and Wawel within three hours, starting and finishing at the Sukiennice (National Museum). Note: if you plan to explore interiors in detail (Wawel, Underground Market, full MNK exhibitions) you’ll need more time — treat this route as a “must‑see” overview.
1. Sukiennice (National Museum) — a quick visit to the upper floor Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art, a photo in the hall and a glance at the displays. (approx. 20–30 min).
2. Main Market Square — stroll among the townhouses, see the Town Hall, soak up the atmosphere and browse souvenir stalls. (approx. 10–15 min).
3. St. Mary’s Basilica — admire the façade and the hejnał from the outside; enter if time allows. The Veit Stoss altarpiece (Wit Stwosz) is a must for lovers of sacred art. (approx. 15–20 min).
4. Rynek Underground (Museum) — I suggest viewing from the outside or booking it separately, because the exhibition takes at least an hour. (pass by and check the offering if you have time).
5. Grodzka Street / Planty — walk toward Wawel through the picturesque Planty Park, take a short rest and a few photos. (approx. 10–15 min).
6. Wawel: Courtyard, Cathedral, Sigismund’s Bell — view the hill from the outside and enter the Cathedral if time and queues allow. Wawel contains royal chapels and crypts; a full visit takes considerably longer. (approx. 25–30 min).
7. Royal Castle (exterior) and viewing terraces — enjoy panoramas of the river and the city. (short photo stop).
8. Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate — return toward the Market via a section of the old city walls. (approx. 10 min).
9. Floriańska Street and Sukiennice (return) — one last look at the stalls and cafés. (approx. 10 min).
10. (Optional) Kazimierz — if your pace allows and you want to swap one stop (for example the Barbican), you can head east to the Kazimierz district and walk through Plac Nowy. Note: this will lengthen the route.
Shoes: wear comfortable footwear with good soles — the cobblestones of the Old Town and the climb up to Wawel can tire you quickly.
Tickets and opening hours: buy a ticket for the Sukiennice and optionally for Wawel in advance. Tuesdays are often free‑entry days for MNK’s permanent exhibitions, but these days usually bring bigger crowds. Remember: MNK branches are typically closed on Mondays and ticket desks may close earlier than the exhibitions.
Audio guides and self‑guided options: the Sukiennice offers audio guides in several languages — a quick way to get more from your visit without joining a long group tour. Rental fees are usually modest.
Weather and clothing: rainy weather can slow the plan — many attractions are indoors; in summer bring water and a hat.
Safety: watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas (Market Square, trams). Leave valuables in your hotel or keep them secured in a front‑facing bag.
Cafés and light bites: Cafe Camelot — a charming café near the Market Square, good for a quick dessert and coffee; Charlotte — a bakery and bistro known for excellent pastries; Massolit Books & Cafe — a great short stop with books and coffee.
Recommended restaurants near the Market and Wawel: Pod Aniołami — traditional Polish cuisine highly rated by visitors; Pod Nosem — a well‑known restaurant close to Wawel; Cyrano de Bergerac — for fine dining (reservations recommended). I always suggest choosing places with good reviews and reserving a table, especially in the evening or at weekends.
Avoid unreviewed restaurants right on the Market Square — they can be expensive and average. If you want a quick meal, look for places a little off the main crowds where food and prices are often better.
Overoptimistic timing — trying to see “everything” in three hours often ends in rushing without satisfaction. Prioritize: if the interiors of Wawel and the Underground Market are important to you, set separate time for them.
Eating on the Market without checking reviews — often a price trap. Glance at reviews and the menu before you sit down.
No reservations for popular exhibitions or weekends — leads to long queues and wasted time.
The Sukiennice were a trading hub since the Middle Ages and after their 19th‑century renovation became the first seat of the National Museum in Krakow — the institution has been active since 1879.
The National Museum in Krakow cares for important works of Polish and international art; for decades it has been involved in the care and exhibition decisions of famous works such as Leonardo da Vinci’s 'Lady with an Ermine.'
The Planty is a green belt surrounding the Old Town, created where the medieval city walls once stood — a walk along the Planty is a quick way to ‘catch your breath’ between sights.
How long does a quick visit to the Sukiennice really take? — A fast look at the exhibition and the museum shop takes about 30–45 minutes; a full visit to the permanent displays can take 1–2 hours.
Is the 'Lady with an Ermine' always in the Sukiennice? — The National Museum has been a long‑standing custodian of the work, but paintings can be loaned or exhibited elsewhere as part of museum collaborations. If this painting is a priority for you, check the current exhibition program before your visit.
Are 3 hours enough for Wawel? — A short visit to the hill, courtyard and Cathedral is possible in that time; thorough visits to the castle interiors and exhibitions require additional time.
A route starting at the National Museum (Sukiennice) lets you feel the most important atmosphere of Krakow in three hours: art, history and historic panoramas. It’s a great plan for your first day in the city or for a limited‑time afternoon. If you prefer a slower, more detailed visit, plan separate times for museum interiors and Wawel.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. For a more personalized tour, consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (tour guide) — contact details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Good luck and enjoy discovering Krakow!
