The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is an icon of Kraków’s Main Market — a long Renaissance trading hall that for centuries was the centre of commerce and social life. Today you can buy souvenirs and crafts under the arcades, and upstairs visit the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art. Beneath the Cloth Hall lies the modern Market Underground Museum, which reveals the medieval layers of the city and trade from centuries past.
Visiting the Cloth Hall combines easy discoveries with surprises: stalls and cafés on the ground floor, historic interiors on the upper floor, and archaeological finds below. It’s also a perfect place to begin a walk around the Old Town — from here many highlights are within easy reach: St. Mary’s Basilica, St. Florian’s Gate, and Wawel Castle.
If you want to avoid crowds and get better photos, come in the morning — the Market is busiest around midday and in the evening. It’s also worth checking opening hours and temporary exhibitions before your visit.
St. Mary’s Basilica with its trumpeter’s call (hejnał) and the richly decorated altarpiece by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) is a must-see — its tower also offers a great viewpoint. Nearby you’ll find the Town Hall Tower and the Adam Mickiewicz Monument, while the side streets hide historic townhouses, cafés and small museums.
A few minutes’ walk from the Cloth Hall is Wawel Royal Castle — plan the castle complex as a separate part of your day. Another fascinating attraction is the Market Underground — a multimedia archaeological exhibition that shows the city’s former trade and everyday life.
Don’t forget to walk down Floriańska Street toward St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican — one of the oldest and most picturesque routes leading away from the Market. If you have more time, visit the Planty, the green belt that encircles the Old Town.
On the Market you’ll find both upscale restaurants and atmospheric cafés. If you’re looking for a place “with history” and a special atmosphere, consider Restaurant Wierzynek — famous for its long tradition and elegant interiors. It’s a choice for a special occasion.
Wentzl is another classic with a terrace and a view over the Market — its cuisine blends local ingredients with a European approach. For gourmets try Szara (including Szara Gęś) — higher-end venues often recommended and well reviewed.
If you want a café with historical charm, Noworolski Café (part of the Cloth Hall) still attracts visitors with its atmosphere. For a quick breakfast or excellent bakery goods, head to places like Charlotte (famous for its bread and breakfasts) or the popular cafés on the corners of the Market and nearby streets.
Kraków has a tradition of “milk bars” — simple, home-style food at reasonable prices. They’re a great option if you want to try Polish classics without overspending. Local milk bars serve pierogi, pancakes and soups.
Plac Nowy in Kazimierz is a hub for street food — zapiekanki (Polish open-faced baguette pizzas), small eateries and stalls offer quick and tasty snacks. Kazimierz in general is full of friendly, small restaurants serving cuisines from around the world — from Middle Eastern to vegetarian.
If you’re looking for local snacks, try the Kraków obwarzanek (a type of pretzel) sold at stalls around the Market. Avoid the most expensive restaurants right on the central square if you want authentic flavours and reasonable prices.
It’s easy to find vegetarian and plant-based dishes in Kraków — many restaurants around the Market and in Kazimierz clearly mark veggie and vegan options on their menus. Check menus online or call ahead if you have specific dietary requirements.
Kazimierz is a great neighbourhood for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine — places like Hamsa offer interesting vegetarian versions of traditional dishes. For dessert, seek out small bakeries and craft cafés that specialise in local pastries.
For a sweet ending try local kremówka (a cream cake) or modern desserts in artisan cafés. If you want something truly simple and local, try fried pierogi at markets or in milk bars.
Many people skip planning and go to the first restaurant they find on the Market — this often leads to a high bill and average food. Solution: reserve a table at a recommended place or check reviews before you go in.
Another mistake is viewing the Cloth Hall only from the outside. It’s worth going upstairs to the 19th-century gallery and going down to the Market Underground — it’s not just souvenirs outside, but also a museum and historical curiosities below ground.
Avoid walking only on the main square — the best culinary finds and most atmospheric places are tucked away in side streets and in Kazimierz. Consider exploring off the busiest routes, especially in the late afternoon.
Reservations: in popular restaurants (Wierzynek, Szara, Wentzl) book a table in advance, especially for dinner or on weekends. For larger groups a reservation is strongly recommended.
Opening hours: many restaurants have lunch breaks or different hours on holidays — check ahead. If you plan to visit museums, verify days and opening hours and the option to buy tickets online.
Payments: most places accept cards, but small purchases from street vendors or some tiny cafés may prefer cash. Small tips are appreciated — typically around 10% for good service.
Is it worth going inside the Cloth Hall? Yes — the ground floor stalls give the atmosphere, but the upstairs Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art and the Market Underground provide the most valuable historical experiences.
Do I need to reserve a table at Market restaurants? To be safe, yes — the best places are often full, especially in the tourist season and on weekends.
Where can I eat local pierogi? Try small family-run restaurants, milk bars or places recommended by locals outside the main square — you’ll often find the best and cheapest versions there.
In the Middle Ages the Cloth Hall was one of the most important trading points in Central Europe — goods such as salt, textiles, spices and silks were traded here. Today you can discover the city’s preserved layers underground.
Noworolski Café in the Cloth Hall has a long coffeehouse tradition — in the interwar period it was a favourite spot of Kraków’s artistic circles. Its interiors and terrace still evoke that atmosphere.
The view from Wentzl’s terrace or from windows of some Market restaurants turns a meal into a spectacle — everyday life on the Market is part of the attraction itself.
If this guide was helpful, share it on social media or send it to friends — let more people discover the Cloth Hall and the flavours of Kraków.
If you’d like to explore Kraków comfortably, with local stories and a tailored plan, consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. You can find contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — there you can also arrange a route suited to your interests. Have a great trip and enjoy your meals!
