The Town Hall Tower is the only surviving fragment of the city hall that once stood in the very heart of the Main Market Square. From its terraces you get one of the loveliest views of Kraków’s Old Town, the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica. It’s a great spot to capture a panorama of Kraków without the crowds at Wawel or long queues.
Beyond the view, the interior houses displays related to the history of the market and the city, architectural details, the clock mechanism and fragments of the old town hall’s furnishings. For anyone curious about urban history — it’s a short, concentrated lesson with very photogenic stops along the route.
The tower is roughly 70 meters high and — somewhat surprisingly — leans a little off vertical by several dozen centimeters. It’s a small but interesting anecdote to tell friends after your visit.
The address is Rynek Główny 1 — the tower stands on the western side of the square, close to the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica. From most points in the Old Town you can reach it on foot within a few minutes.
A good landmark is the Krzysztofory Palace and the fountain in the center of the square. You’ll recognize the entrance by a decorative Gothic portal and a pair of stone lions by the steps. If you need to confirm exact opening hours or availability, check the museum’s official information or call the museum information desk.
By public transport it’s easiest to take a tram to stops near Basztowa Street or the Teatr Słowackiego and walk a few minutes — the Market Square is often a pedestrian zone, so plan to walk the last stretch on foot.
The Town Hall Tower is part of the Museum of Krakow network and opening hours change seasonally and for holidays or special events. In practice you will most often find hours in the range of 10:00–18:00 (sometimes 10:30–18:30 or until 19:00 in high season).
Remember that the last admission usually takes place around 30–60 minutes before closing — don’t plan to arrive at the very last moment if you want to comfortably see the exhibitions and go up to the terrace.
The museum may also apply shorter hours in winter, occasional closed days (for example some Mondays) or special closures for events. It’s a good idea to check current information on the museum’s official page or call before you go.
Ticket prices at museum branches vary: there are full-price, reduced and family tickets, as well as group discounts and occasional promotional offers. Prices are generally moderate — consider combination tickets with other museum branches if you plan extended sightseeing.
School groups often have special rates and the museum may offer educational lessons. If you are coming with a larger group, it’s worth booking in advance and checking requirements for reservations and guided visits.
On some days the museum organises promotions or free-admission days — announcements about such initiatives appear on the institution’s channels.
The route passes through parts of the former town hall with preserved architectural details, cellars and rooms presenting exhibitions about the market’s history and the city’s mechanisms. The clock mechanism and conservation elements of the building are also exhibited in the tower.
Several balconies and a viewing terrace are equipped with viewing telescopes and vantage points — each direction offers a different frame: the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s, parts of the Planty gardens and the roofs of the Old Town. It’s an excellent spot for photographs, especially late afternoon when the light softens.
Access is by stairs — visitors ascend a winding historic staircase, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a short physical effort. Visitors with limited mobility should check accessibility options before visiting.
The best time to visit is early after opening or late afternoon on weekdays — there are fewer tourists then and photos usually look better. Avoid the middle of the day on weekends when the Market Square gets crowded.
Check the weather forecast — the terrace is partly open, so sightseeing in strong wind or rain may be less comfortable. Even in summer bring a light jacket, as it can be cooler at height.
If you plan to fly a drone for photos — remember the Main Market Square is in an area with restrictions on drone use; classic photography from the terrace is a safer option.
Around the Main Market Square you’ll find a wide range of places to eat — from traditional Polish restaurants to elegant cafés and modern bistros. For reliable options, ask at the museum information desk for current recommendations.
A pleasant choice for dessert or a coffee is to wander into the small streets off the Market, for example Grodzka or Kanonicza, where cosy cafés invite you to rest after the climb. For lunch or dinner, choose restaurants known for good Polish cuisine and local specialities.
If you plan to stay overnight, the area offers everything from boutique hotels in historic townhouses to hostels and apartments. Book ahead in the tourist season to have more options and better rates.
Arriving at the very last minute — remember about last-admission rules; it’s better to allow extra time to fully see the exhibition and enjoy the viewing terrace.
Not checking current opening hours and closed days — museums have seasonal schedules and occasional technical breaks or holidays. A quick check before you leave will save disappointment.
Expecting too much from a single stop — the tower is a beautiful viewpoint but not an extensive interactive complex; treat the visit as part of a larger walk through the Old Town.
The Town Hall Tower was part of a large city hall complex that was demolished in the 19th century — today the tower stands as a solitary architectural accent on the Market Square.
The tower 'leans' slightly — a small deviation from the vertical of several dozen centimetres is the result of past forces and the building’s long history; it adds character and impresses many visitors.
At the entrance pay attention to the Gothic portal with the city coat of arms and the pair of stone lions guarding the steps — small details with a long story.
Is the tower open every day? Usually yes, but hours vary seasonally and for special events — check the museum’s current information or call before you visit.
Do I need to book in advance? For a short individual visit usually not, but groups and school trips should reserve a time in advance.
Is the route accessible with a stroller or for visitors with limited mobility? The route uses stairs and is not fully adapted for strollers — visitors with limited mobility should contact the museum staff to learn about available accommodations.
If you want to feel the Market’s atmosphere without the crowds, plan your visit just after opening or late afternoon; after descending from the tower, stroll around the Cloth Hall and pop into one of the atmospheric cafés for a sweet treat.
If you’d like to learn more about Kraków’s history in the company of a local guide, I’m happy to help — I can show the Old Town’s hidden corners, tell stories related to the tower and tailor the route to your interests. Details and contact information are available from guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. Enjoy your visit and see you at the Market!
