The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is a natural starting point for a three-day walking tour of Kraków — it stands in the middle of the Main Market Square and combines mercantile history, art and great views. On the upper floor you'll find the 19th-Century Polish Art Gallery; since the 19th century the building has also served museum functions. The Cloth Hall terrace is sometimes used for concerts and offers a nice viewpoint over the Market, so it’s worth including in your plan.
Walking from the train station to the Cloth Hall takes about 15–25 minutes on foot, depending on pace and route — a stroll along Starowiślna already begins to convey the city’s atmosphere. Thanks to its central location, the Cloth Hall makes it easy to plan further walking stages: Wawel, the Planty park, Kazimierz or the Vistula boulevards. This allows you to make the most of three days without needing public transport.
Start the morning at the Main Market Square: walk through the Cloth Hall, admire the townhouses and stop at St. Mary’s Basilica to listen to the trumpet signal (hejnał) on the hour. Climb the Town Hall Tower or walk through the Planty towards St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican — classic but worthwhile stops.
Then follow the Royal Route to Wawel. The Royal Castle and Cathedral are best planned for specific times — booking tickets in advance saves time. On Wawel you can see the royal chambers, the treasury and the tombs of notable figures from Polish history; a short walk along the terraces and the Vistula boulevards gives lovely photo opportunities.
If time allows, visit small nearby museums or relax in a café on Kanonicza or Grodzka Streets. In the evening consider dinner at a well-rated restaurant near the Market — remember to reserve a table during the high season.
Spend the morning taking a relaxed look at the Cloth Hall and the gallery upstairs — allow around 1.5–2 hours for the permanent exhibition. Check whether any special events are happening on the Cloth Hall terrace on the day of your visit; they can enrich the experience.
After leaving the Old Town you can choose a theme: a museum route (for example the National Museum — Main Building or the Czartoryski Museum), a modern art route (MOCAK and the Zabłocie area) or a culinary walk toward Kazimierz. Each option offers a different side of the city and is easy to do on foot.
In the afternoon I recommend visiting Kazimierz — atmospheric streets, synagogues, Plac Now with its famous food stalls and a wide selection of restaurants and cafés. It’s a great area for an evening program and a dinner with local character.
Dedicate the last day to deeper exploration of Kazimierz and a short walk to Podgórze across the Vistula — the Ghetto Heroes Square, Oskar Schindler’s Factory and memorial sites are important stops to include if you’re interested in 20th‑century history.
If you have an afternoon train or flight, leave time at the end for a relaxing coffee at one of the recommended cafés or a quick visit to the Cloth Hall terrace. It’s also a good moment for small craft or souvenir purchases that are easy to carry in a backpack during walking days.
If you wish, on this day you can add a short trip outside the center (for example the Wieliczka Salt Mine) — that requires transport and better organization, so plan it in advance.
Pack comfortable shoes — three days on foot means a lot of walking on cobblestones and uneven surfaces. Plan realistically: leave time for breaks, coffee and meals — a common tourist mistake is trying to “tick off” as much as possible in a short time.
Check museum opening hours before you go — some institutions close on particular days (for example the Cloth Hall is sometimes closed on Mondays) and there are free-entry days that draw crowds. Buy tickets online when possible — you’ll avoid queues and disappointment.
Use apps for buying public transport tickets or carry a paper ticket validated on board — ticket inspections happen frequently and an unvalidated ticket can lead to a fine.
For morning coffee and breakfast near the Market I often recommend places with consistently good reviews such as Café Camelot or Charlotte — both are known for good coffee and a pleasant atmosphere.
For dinner head to Kazimierz in the evening, where you’ll find everything from modern bistros to traditional inns. Choose venues with current high ratings and reserve a table for popular hours, especially on weekends.
If you want to try local specialties in an accessible way, look for places recommended by residents and check local rankings shortly before your trip — Kraków’s food scene changes quickly and new great spots appear often.
The Cloth Hall is not just souvenir stalls — on the upper floor there is the 19th‑Century Polish Art Gallery, one of the first branches of the National Museum. The building’s history goes back to the Middle Ages and at different times it played a key role in international trade.
At the entrance to the Cloth Hall from the Adam Mickiewicz monument side you can spot a small historical detail tied to old legal and municipal customs — a tiny element that often escapes notice in the crowds.
The St. Mary’s trumpet call (hejnał) and the Cloth Hall terrace are two experiences that can make a Market Square visit truly special — try to include them in your day.
Arriving on a Monday planning to visit the Cloth Hall museum — it is often closed that day; check opening hours in advance and swap days if needed.
Not booking in popular restaurants or not buying tickets to major attractions in advance — this is a recipe for long queues and stress. Reserve tables and tickets ahead, especially during peak season.
Underestimating walking times and breaks — a three-day walking program should be flexible: plan 10–20% more time for each transfer so you can stop for photos or rest.
How long does it take to see the Cloth Hall? A relaxed visit to the permanent exhibition usually takes 1.5–2 hours; longer if you join a guided tour or attend an event.
Are there free museum days? There are often free-entry days for permanent exhibitions — a good way to save money, but expect larger crowds on those days.
Are audio guides available? Yes, many museums provide audio guides in several languages — a convenient option for independent visitors.
Kraków is a walkable city, but as in any popular tourist destination keep an eye on small valuables and documents, avoid carrying everything in a back pocket and use bags that close securely.
Remember to drink water and protect yourself from the sun in the high season — long walks on cobbles can be tiring, especially in summer. In cooler months have an extra layer ready — the weather can change during the day.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it’s the best way to help others plan a pleasant, walkable stay in Kraków.
If you’d like to explore the city with someone who will tell stories, show hidden corners and tailor the route to your interests, I encourage you to consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and more information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
