Kraków is a city with layers of history — from the medieval alleyways of the Old Town, through the royal chambers of Wawel, to stories of everyday life and legends that aren’t always written in guidebooks. A guide will put these places into context, save you time and point out details that are easy to miss when you explore on your own. If you want a coherent, interesting and stress-free visit, consider touring with a licensed guide.
This article contains practical information about typical opening hours for the Sukiennice and Wawel (accurate at the time of writing), tips on which places you can see for free, and advice on how to avoid the most common tourist mistakes.
The Sukiennice is an icon of the Main Market Square: from the outside you see Renaissance arcades and souvenir stalls, and upstairs is the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art of the National Museum. It’s one of the best places to get to know Polish 19th-century painting in an attractively designed space.
Typical opening hours are usually Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00, closed on Mondays. Tuesday is often a free-admission day for permanent exhibitions at the National Museum — check current information before your visit.
Practical tip: if you plan to visit the Sukiennice and other branches of the National Museum on the same day, look into combined tickets and the opening hours of each branch — not all open and close at the same times.
Wawel Hill includes several elements: the Royal Castle courtyard (often accessible without a ticket), castle museum exhibitions, the Cathedral with its famous chapels and tombs, and various temporary exhibitions. Most exhibition routes and interior spaces (royal apartments, tapestries, armory, etc.) require separate tickets and often a timed reservation.
Remember: the hill and the courtyard are frequently open for walking without a ticket — a great option for a quick view of the city panorama. On some days the institution makes a limited number of free tickets available for selected exhibitions (usually to be collected at the ticket office) — this is seasonal and depends on the museum’s current policy, so it’s best to check updates before you arrive.
Tip: exhibitions at Wawel sometimes have different opening hours than the courtyard. Buying tickets online saves time and reduces the risk of not finding a place at your desired time.
Kraków offers many attractions you can visit for free: walking around the Main Market Square and the Planty, accessing Wawel Hill (grounds and courtyard), listening to the hejnał from St. Mary’s Tower (the sound is free; attending a mass or events may have separate conditions), exploring Kazimierz and Podgórze, and admiring historic tenement houses and city walls.
Many museums have free-admission days (for example different branches of the National Museum, MOCAK, Schindler’s Factory and others) — these days can change, so always check the current schedule. Some free admissions require picking up a free ticket at the box office or reserving online.
Budget visiting idea: plan visits from Tuesday to Thursday, when many institutions offer free or cheaper admission, and combine city walks with visits to selected free exhibitions.
A quick, pleasant half-day plan: start in the morning with a walk around the Main Market Square (see the Sukiennice from the outside and listen to the hejnał), then go up to Wawel Hill, stroll through the courtyard and take photos of the panorama. After descending, take a short coffee and pierogi break, then visit the Sukiennice or another open exhibition.
If you have more time: add a walk around Kazimierz (synagogues, atmospheric cafés) or a seasonal boat trip on the Vistula. When planning, allow time for breaks and queues at ticket offices — especially in summer and during long weekends.
Logistics tip: reserve timed tickets for exhibitions in advance, arrive 10–15 minutes before your entry time, and keep a small umbrella or jacket handy — the weather can change quickly.
On the Old Town and nearby you’ll find both classic and modern places. A few tried-and-true names: Wierzynek (historic restaurant on the Market), Jama Michalika (a café with an artistic past), Cafe Camelot (a cozy café ideal for relaxing), Charlotte (bakeries and cafés known for good bread and breakfasts), Pod Aniołami (a classic inn with atmosphere).
If you’re after something local: try pierogi at one of the many excellent pierogi restaurants around the Market and in Kazimierz, or ask the guide for current recommendations — she knows places that are not just touristy but also popular with locals.
Note: in the summer season popular venues can be crowded — it’s wise to reserve a table, especially in the evening.
The Sukiennice has served a museum function since 1879 — it is one of the oldest and most important seats of the National Museum in Poland, housing key works of 19th-century Polish art.
The Wawel courtyard and the terrace panorama are a great “free” option — many visitors assume you must buy a ticket to see Wawel, but walking the hill gives a lot of satisfaction without spending money.
The hejnał from St. Mary’s is played live every hour from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica and has symbolic meaning going back centuries — it’s one of the most characteristic sounds you’ll hear while walking the Market.
Not checking opening hours and closed days — many museums (including the Sukiennice) are closed on Mondays, and some branches have different hours. Always check current information before you go.
Assuming you can see everything in one day — Wawel and the museum routes can take several hours. It’s better to choose 1–2 major attractions and leave the rest for another day.
Not reserving for timed exhibitions and not buying popular-route tickets in advance — in high season you may be forced to change plans. Buy tickets online or arrive early in the morning.
Does entering Wawel always cost money? - Walking the hill and courtyard is free; interiors and exhibitions require tickets.
When are the Sukiennice open? - Usually Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00; closed on Mondays.
Where can I find museums’ free days? - Many museums publish free-admission days on their sites; common free days vary by institution — check in advance.
Is it worth touring with a guide? - Yes, if you want historical context, local anecdotes and visits to places that gain special meaning through a guide’s stories.
Bring comfortable shoes, water and a charged phone with an offline map. In high season keep a printout or screenshot of your ticket and an ID if you plan to use concessions.
If you enjoyed this guide and would like a more personal visit to Kraków, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details for reservations can be found on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If you found the information in this article helpful, please share it on social media or send it to friends — that helps reach more travelers and supports local initiatives.
