The Main Market Square is the largest medieval market square in Europe and for many people it’s where exploring Kraków begins. In the center stands the historic Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), and above the rooftops rise the two towers of St. Mary’s Basilica, from which the bugle call (hejnał) sounds every hour. A few steps away is Wawel — the hill with the Royal Castle and Cathedral, home to royal tombs and the famous Sigismund Bell. A walk through this area is a journey through the first thousand years of the city’s history, full of surprises and stories.
The Market and Wawel are not only about monuments you see above ground: beneath the square there are extensive archaeological remains and a museum that show what the city looked like in medieval times. That’s why it’s worth planning visits carefully — some sites have limited entry and timed tickets.
1. Wawel Royal Castle and the State Rooms — a symbol of Polish history with richly decorated interiors, tapestries and royal halls. It’s worth booking tickets in advance, especially in high season.
2. Wawel Cathedral and the Sigismund Bell — the site of royal coronations and national burials. Access to the bell tower is limited and usually requires a separate ticket or reservation.
3. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — the heart of the Old Town with stalls, cafés and street performers. The Cloth Hall is also a convenient place to buy souvenirs and local handicrafts.
4. St. Mary’s Basilica and the bugle call — a Gothic gem with the Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) altarpiece; the hejnał played from the tower is a Kraków symbol best experienced live.
5. Market Square Underground (Museum of Kraków) — an interactive archaeological exhibition under the square showing layers of the medieval city. Tickets are timed and visitor numbers per session are often limited.
6. Dragon’s Den at Wawel — the cave by the Vistula where the legend of the Wawel Dragon comes to life; fun for both children and adults, especially in the evening when the dragon ‘breathes’ fire.
7. Kazimierz — the former Jewish quarter full of atmospheric cafés, galleries and synagogues; perfect for an evening walk and a memorable dinner.
8. Oskar Schindler’s Factory (Schindler’s Factory Museum) — a moving exhibition about the city during World War II and the fate of its inhabitants.
9. Planty Park and Grodzka Street — the green belt encircling the Old Town, a pleasant walking route with direct access to Wawel; a quieter alternative to the crowded Market Square.
10. Kościuszko Mound — a scenic vantage point offering wide views of the city and surroundings, great for a short hike outside the historic center.
Many of the most popular sites operate on a timed-ticket system or limit the number of visitors per tour. This is particularly true for the Market Square Underground and some exhibitions at Wawel. Buying tickets online in advance saves time and prevents disappointment.
If you plan to enter the interiors of Wawel Castle (state rooms, treasury, armory) or climb a bell tower, check whether a separate reservation is required. In summer, early morning and late-afternoon time slots are usually less crowded than midday.
For the Market Square Underground remember that sessions are limited to a fixed number of visitors and start at set times — not all tickets sold at on-site kiosks allow entry at any time, so reserve a specific timeslot when possible.
If you have only one day: start at Wawel in the morning (it’s quieter), walk through Planty to the Main Market Square, visit the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica, and reserve the afternoon for the Market Square Underground or a stroll to Kazimierz.
Two days let you combine attractions at a relaxed pace: Day 1 — Wawel, the Market Square, Underground; Day 2 — Kazimierz, Schindler’s Factory and a mound or museums. Consider buying a Kraków tourist card (e.g. Krakow Card) if you plan many paid entries — it can be cost-effective.
Remember to book lunches and dinners for weekends, especially at restaurants near the Market and in Kazimierz; popular places fill up quickly.
Showing up at Wawel ‘to buy tickets on the spot’ — in season this often means long queues. Solution: reserve interior visits in advance.
Buying souvenirs only at the first shop you see on the Market — prices vary a lot; you can find quality handicrafts in side streets or in Kazimierz.
Dressing inappropriately when visiting churches and the cathedral — bring something to cover shoulders and knees (especially in summer when many visitors wear very short clothing).
Relying on ‘last minute’ offers at the entrance to some exhibitions — you can’t always get in without a ticket. The safest option is to reserve online ahead of time.
Wierzynek — a historic restaurant on the Main Market Square, perfect if you want to feel the atmosphere of old Kraków (a special experience, not the cheapest option).
Szara / Szara Gęś — an elegant choice near the Market, recommended for lunch with local flavors.
Café Camelot — a charming café close to the Market, known for its interior and cozy atmosphere ideal for coffee and dessert.
Mleczarnia in Kazimierz — an atmospheric spot for a break, good for a late breakfast or a light dinner.
Street food tip: try a Kraków obwarzanek from vendors on the Market Square — a quick, local snack.
The Sigismund Bell at Wawel Cathedral is over 500 years old and its toll has been an important signal for the area — the bell’s sound can carry for many kilometers.
The Market Square Underground is the result of many years of archaeological research and since its opening in 2010 has offered a unique archaeological reserve under the square.
In 2005 the Main Market Square was recognized as one of the world’s best public squares — a fun fact that highlights how special this place is.
Do I need a ticket for Wawel? If you want to visit the state rooms or the treasury, yes — interior visits are paid and often require advance booking. Walking around Wawel’s courtyard is usually free.
Can I climb the bell tower with the Sigismund Bell? Access is limited and requires a separate ticket or reservation — check availability in advance.
Is the Market Square Underground suitable for families with children? Yes, the exhibition includes interactive zones for younger visitors, but pay attention to the route length and opening hours; for very small children consider planning a shorter visit.
Best times for photographing the Market are early morning (fewest people) and the golden hour before sunset. For Wawel, morning visits are recommended before large tour groups arrive.
Wear comfortable shoes — cobbled streets and hill walks can be tiring. Bring a water bottle and a small backpack so you have free hands for photos and notes.
If you prefer guided visits, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com for private tours. A private tour provides comfort, a personalized pace and local stories that make the city come alive.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help plan a trip to Kraków together.
I wish you great walks in Kraków and many discoveries off the beaten path. If you want a comfortable visit with local stories, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on the guide’s website.
