The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is an icon of Kraków and often the first stop on every tourist’s list. It’s worth seeing both from the outside and inside: the ground floor houses traditional stalls, and on the upper floor there’s the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art. Under the Market Square you’ll also find the multimedia Rynek Underground which presents medieval city life in a modern way. Still, Kraków has many more places that can surprise visitors with their history, atmosphere or local character.
If your time is limited, combining a quick walk around the Market Square with a visit to one of the less obvious spots described below will give you a far richer picture of the city than a single photo in front of the Cloth Hall. Read on for walk ideas, places away from the crowds and a few tasty recommendations.
The Cloth Hall’s interior is more than souvenir stalls — the upper floor hosts a gallery dedicated to 19th-century art, and near the entrance by the Adam Mickiewicz monument you can spot small historical details that hint at the market’s long past. Beneath the square is an engaging archaeological museum and multimedia exhibition worth visiting if you’re curious about what lay under the city surface.
If you want to avoid the crowds at the Market Square, come early — just after dawn — or late in the evening; the view is often at its best and the atmosphere is calmer. Also remember that some exhibitions and viewing terraces have specific opening hours, so check times for the exact place you plan to visit.
Zakrzówek — a former limestone quarry transformed into a green-turquoise reservoir with cliffs and vegetation. A walk around the water, a viewpoint descent and a moment of calm away from the city noise make this a great alternative to the crowded Market Square.
Liban Quarry (Kamieniołom Liban) — a site with a heavy history that today attracts visitors with its raw, post-war atmosphere. It’s a destination for those interested in 20th-century traces and unusual, striking landscapes.
Kopiec Krakusa (Krakus Mound) — less famous than Kościuszko Mound, but offering an interesting panorama of Podgórze and the Old Town. Highly recommended in the evening, when the city lights begin to sparkle.
Stained Glass Museum — an intimate place that showcases craftsmanship and the magic of light; a perfect visit on a rainy day.
Hidden monastic gardens and green courtyards — among the Old Town’s buildings you’ll find quiet oases. These spots are ideal for a short break with a book or a cup of tea.
Kazimierz, beyond its main monuments, hides atmospheric cafés, galleries and streets covered in murals. It’s worth leaving the main routes to find small craft shops and modest bars serving local dishes.
Podgórze and Kleparz show the everyday side of Kraków. Kleparz is famous for its market — a great place to find local products and enjoy breakfast with Kraków cheese or homemade pastries.
Twardowski Rocks and the surroundings of Zakrzówek are a good option for those who want to combine sightseeing with light outdoor activity. The views and natural rock formations can surprise even frequent visitors to the city.
If you’re looking for highly rated, reliable places, consider classics and well-regarded restaurants: Wentzl (an elegant restaurant on the Market Square with a long tradition), Pod Nosem (flavorful cuisine close to Wawel), La Grande Mamma (Italian flavors in the centre), Zazie Bistro and MAZI (creative kitchens often recommended by food critics).
For quick, traditional meals at friendly prices try places like U Babci Maliny or explore offerings at the Kleparz market — there you’ll often find fresh products and less touristy flavors. Stepping one or two streets away from the Market Square usually brings better quality for the price.
Avoid the first restaurants you see right at the Market Square entrance, especially during peak hours. Prices there are often notably higher while quality may not match the cost.
When planning a route in Kraków, mix popular attractions with lesser-known spots — this way you’ll see a more authentic city and avoid the largest crowds. A walk from the Market Square to Zakrzówek or to Krakus Mound is a great afternoon plan.
When buying tickets for underground attractions or galleries, check availability online in advance during the high season. On-site lines can be long, especially on weekends and in summer months.
Common mistakes include planning too much for a single day, relying only on tourist maps around the Market Square (for authentic experiences you should leave the main trails) and eating exclusively at restaurants adjacent to the square. To avoid crowds, visit the centre in the morning or late evening.
Kraków is generally safe, but like any tourist city it’s worth watching out for petty theft and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places, especially in the Market Square and on public transport. Keep your phone and wallet in an outer pocket and wear backpacks on your front in crowded trams.
If you plan to walk at night in less frequented parts of town, stick to main streets or use public transport or a taxi. Always carry a bank card and a small amount of cash for incidental purchases.
How to combine the Cloth Hall with lesser-known places? A good plan is morning at the Market Square and the Cloth Hall, afternoon at Zakrzówek or the Stained Glass Museum, and evening in Kazimierz or on Krakus Mound.
Is it worth buying a ticket to the Market Square Underground? Yes, if you’re interested in history and enjoy modern, interactive displays — the exhibition presents medieval Kraków in an engaging way.
Where to eat authentic Kraków pierogi? Look for places with a long local tradition and solid customer reviews. Avoid the cheapest tourist stalls in the main tourist zone; often the best experiences are on side streets and at markets.
At one corner of the Market Square near the Adam Mickiewicz monument you can notice a small relic of former criminal law — a tiny historical marker not often talked about. It’s an example of how many layers of history the centre hides.
Liban Quarry was used in different periods of history and its stark landscape has even appeared in film productions. It’s a place that invites reflection and shows a less touristy face of the city.
Many monastic gardens and small courtyards are open at certain hours and can completely change the mood of a walk through the Old Town — it’s worth discovering them one by one.
If this text inspired you, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others discover a less obvious side of Kraków.
If you want to explore the city with someone who knows Kraków from the inside and can show both classics and hidden gems away from the crowds, consider hiring the services of a private guide, Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She knows the city’s neighborhoods, stories and small secrets that make visits more memorable. Good luck discovering Kraków — enjoy your visit!
