The Main Market Square is a must-see on every Krakow itinerary: the largest medieval square in Europe, surrounded by historic townhouses, cafés and landmarks that tell the city’s story within a few steps. A walk here combines monuments, street performers and everyday life - the perfect place to begin your visit.
Allow time on the Square not only for photos but also for slow observation: listen to musicians, watch market stalls and soak in local bustle. From here it’s easy to reach the most important points of the Old Town and then continue to Wawel.
If your time is limited, plan to see the main sights early in the morning or in the late afternoon when crowds are smaller and the light is better for photography.
St. Mary’s Basilica - the Square’s dominant landmark. Go inside to see the famous altarpiece by Veit Stoss and listen for the trumpet signal (hejnal) played from the tower every hour. Climbing the tower is an extra treat with a lovely view of the centre.
Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) - the historic trading hall in the centre of the Square, now filled with stalls selling crafts and souvenirs and home to the 19th-Century Polish Art Gallery. A great place to shop for local gifts.
Town Hall Tower - the only remaining part of the old town hall; from its top terrace you get a fine panorama of the Square.
Adam Mickiewicz Monument - a popular meeting point and a useful landmark when arranging to meet your group.
Hidden gems and side streets - notice St. Adalbert’s Church, the Pod Jaszczurami townhouse, and seasonal contemporary sculptures and installations on the Square. Walk the side streets - they often hide charming cafés and small galleries.
Wawel Hill (Royal Castle and Cathedral) is a separate chapter in exploring Krakow. Tickets for castle exhibitions and tickets for the Cathedral and Cathedral Museum are often sold separately - so check in advance which entrances you plan to visit and buy the appropriate tickets ahead of time.
For a richer experience (guided tours of selected routes, access to areas usually closed to the public, or routes labeled “most precious”) look for tickets described as special routes, guided-route tickets or options including the Crown Treasury and private royal apartments. These entries often have limited availability and smaller groups, so online reservation is recommended.
Keep in mind entry rules: many places restrict large luggage and baby strollers - deposits may be required or some routes may not admit strollers. Also check photography restrictions inside certain rooms.
Time planning: reserve at least 2–3 hours for Wawel, and half a day if you want to visit several exhibitions or special routes. More extensive tours (for example including the Crown Treasury) will take longer.
Buy tickets online in advance - the best way to avoid queues at ticket offices, especially in high season (spring-summer) and on weekends. Many systems sell tickets for specific entry times, which helps structure your day.
Read ticket descriptions carefully - some tickets cover only a defined route (e.g., Castle I or Underground), others are combined. If you want to see both the Cathedral and the castle chambers, make sure you have tickets for both parts.
Pay attention to refund and cancellation policies - many online bookings allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before the visit, but rules vary by seller.
If you choose a guided or “premium” entry (smaller groups, access to restricted passages) book further in advance, particularly during tourist months.
Morning at the Main Market Square - start early: a short walk around the Square, visit St. Mary’s Basilica (if you plan to climb the tower, book a ticket), stop by Sukiennice and the Town Hall Tower.
Walk to Wawel - a 10–20 minute stroll through charming streets. If you have a timed ticket for Wawel, plan a coffee break before your entry.
Wawel - touring the castle and cathedral: the main route takes about 2–3 hours; “most precious” routes or private apartments take longer. After the visit, relax on the hill, enjoy city views and visit the Dragon’s Den.
Afternoon and evening in the Old Town - dinner at one of the restaurants by the Square and, if you have energy, a walk to Kazimierz to continue exploring.
Wierzynek - a legendary restaurant on the Main Market Square, perfect if you want to feel the historical atmosphere, though prices tend to be higher than average.
Szara Gęś (Rynek Główny) - classic Polish dishes served elegantly; a good choice for lunch after sightseeing.
Cafe Camelot (near the Square) - cosy interior and excellent coffee; a great spot for an afternoon break.
Pod Baranami (hotel/restaurant) - a well-known cultural and culinary venue close to the Square; worth considering for dinner.
The Old Town also has many smaller cafés and bars offering local snacks - if you want traditional pierogi, look for places labeled “pierogarnia” in the side streets.
Book tickets in advance and check the time of last entry - many routes have specific entry times and the last admission is often 20–70 minutes before closing.
Dress and comfort - castle and cathedral routes include stairs and narrow passages; wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket as interiors can be cool.
Luggage and cloakroom - large backpacks often need to be left in a cloakroom; if travelling with suitcases, use hotel storage or luggage lockers near the station.
Payments and cash - most places accept cards, but for small souvenir stalls it’s useful to have some cash on hand.
Krakow is relatively safe for tourists, but as in any busy tourist destination be aware of pickpockets in crowded places; keep documents and your phone in a secure place.
Respect sacred spaces - inside churches maintain silence, turn off phone sounds and follow rules about photography and dress.
Do not feed wild animals and clean up after yourself - small actions help keep public spaces pleasant for everyone.
Do I have to buy a Wawel ticket online? - Not always, but buying online helps you skip queues and reserve a specific entry time. In peak season we recommend advance booking.
Are the Cathedral and the Castle covered by one ticket? - Often tickets for the castle and the cathedral are sold separately. If you want to visit both, make sure you have tickets for each.
How much time do I need on the Main Market Square? - A few hours are enough to see main sights and enjoy a coffee. If you plan to climb St. Mary’s tower or visit museums in the Cloth Hall, plan half a day.
Is Wawel accessible for people with reduced mobility? - Not all routes are fully accessible; some include stairs and narrow passages. Check the route description before buying a ticket and ask about available facilities.
To feel the atmosphere of Krakow, find a small café on a side street and simply sit - people-watching can be as rewarding as another museum visit.
If you plan several attractions in one day, consider buying a day ticket for public transport - it often saves time and energy when moving between districts.
Make a simple plan: choose 2–3 “must-see” sights and a few smaller points. Krakow offers so much that it’s better to explore calmly than try to see everything at once.
