The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is more than the distinctive building in the middle of the Main Market Square — it's a place that brings together a history of trade, art and an excellent starting point for a walking tour of the Old Town.
On the ground floor you'll find stalls with souvenirs and handicrafts, and on the first floor the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art operates — perfect if you want to combine a walk with a short museum visit.
If you like to plan economically: check whether the day of your visit includes free admission to selected museum exhibitions (it's worth checking in advance).
Start the day early while the Market Square is still quiet — this way you avoid the largest crowds and can take nice photos of the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's tower.
Pop into the Cloth Hall for a quick look around the stalls, and if you feel like art, visit the upstairs exhibition. After leaving, stop by the Adam Mickiewicz monument and take in the townhouses and cafés surrounding the square.
A short tip: on the hour you may hear the bugle call from the tower of St. Mary's Basilica — a moment that many visitors find memorable.
Wawel is very close to the Cloth Hall — roughly 1–1.5 km on foot, so at a relaxed pace you'll get there in 15–25 minutes depending on your speed and the number of photo stops.
The route follows Grodzka and Kanonicza streets — passing historic townhouses and churches you'll arrive at the Royal Castle. Along the way it's worth glancing into courtyards, and at Wawel take a stroll along the Vistula boulevards at the foot of the hill.
Remember that entry to some parts of Wawel (castle chambers, the cathedral, the crypts) requires a ticket — if you want to go inside, buy a ticket online in advance to avoid queues.
For morning coffee and breakfast I recommend the charming, historic cafés by the Market Square — one classic spot is Camelot Cafe (ul. Św. Tomasza), known for its atmospheric interiors and good selection of cakes.
If you plan a lunch break closer to Wawel, the Kanonicza and Grodzka area offers several restaurants with Polish and seasonal dishes. For a more upscale meal consider Restauracja Szara or Szara Gęś on the Main Market Square.
For a relaxed evening in Kazimierz I recommend Mleczarnia — its garden and the cafe-club atmosphere make it a good stop before exploring Plac Nowy and the local bars.
After Wawel return toward the center along the Planty — the green belt surrounding the Old Town, ideal for a short rest and photographic shots from different perspectives of the city.
Grodzka Street will lead you back to the Market Square, and if you fancy a walk in Kazimierz, cross the Piłsudski Bridge or follow the Vistula boulevards toward this historic district.
Kazimierz is a maze of narrow streets, synagogues, atmospheric cafés and murals — plan at least 1.5–2 hours there to soak up the atmosphere and try local snacks at Plac Nowy.
In Kazimierz visit Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy with its famous roundel and market, and the Remuh Synagogue with its cemetery if you are interested in Krakow's Jewish history.
In the evening Kazimierz comes alive — there are many bars, cafés and small concerts. If you prefer a quieter dinner, choose one of the fusion or traditional Polish restaurants tucked away in less touristy streets.
A useful tip: some venues in Kazimierz are small and fill up fast, so if a table at a popular place matters to you, it's worth reserving in advance.
The Cloth Hall has roots going back to the 13th century and for centuries was the center of trade — today it combines a museum function with a market atmosphere on the ground floor.
Many museums and galleries in the center have designated days with free admission to permanent exhibitions — it's a good opportunity to see collections without extra expense.
The Vistula boulevards make a pleasant walking circuit away from busy streets and are a great spot to catch a quiet moment with a view of Wawel.
Mistake: wanting to see “everything” in one day. The art is in choosing a few highlights and exploring them at a relaxed pace.
Mistake: buying tickets on the spot for attractions with limited capacity. Solution: reserve tickets online for Wawel, underground routes or popular exhibitions.
Mistake: skipping regular breaks. Solution: plan rests every 60–90 minutes — a coffee, a short stop on the Planty or a snack in Kazimierz will make touring more comfortable.
Can you visit the described places on foot over a weekend? Yes — the Cloth Hall–Wawel–Kazimierz route is walkable. Distances are short, but plan stops.
When is the best time for photos without crowds? Best in the morning (around 7:00–9:30) or late afternoon before sunset.
Is public transport needed on this route? In the Old Town and Kazimierz no — you can do everything on foot. Trams or buses are useful for longer trips across the city.
Shoes: choose comfortable shoes, preferably with a soft sole — some streets are cobbled and uneven.
Weather: check the forecast before you go and carry a light raincoat or umbrella — Krakow's weather can change during the day.
Toilets and breaks: plan to stop every 1–1.5 hours — cafés by the Market Square and in Kazimierz are numerous, and the Planty offer benches and green spaces to rest.
If you found this plan useful, share the article with friends or on social media — let others discover Krakow on foot!
If you'd like to explore Krakow with a local private guide, consider services offered by Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A guided walk helps reveal hidden curiosities and saves time.
