12 Best Things to Do In Krakow'S Market Square

Although many tourists visit this historic site to explore the experiences and activities available in the Kraków area – such as visiting the Auschwitz concentration camps from Kraków – the truth is that you’ll find hundreds of interesting spots right in the city’s Old Town itself.

Specifically, in this article we focus on everything you can see and do when visiting Kraków’s Market Square, famous worldwide for holding the title of the largest medieval square in all of Europe

Start your visit to the Market Square by exploring what is perhaps the most iconic monument in the entire area and, arguably, the most important religious centre in all of Poland. St Mary’s Basilica is characterised by the uneven towers on its front façade and the intricate stories surrounding its construction.

However, the interior of the basilica is more impressive than its façade and the legends surrounding it. In this fascinating example of Gothic architecture, you will find that both the walls and the central nave of the basilica are covered in swathes of blue and gold paint. They make their way from the walls, climbing towards the apse and the Gothic niches. The view from the human eye is, to say the least, impressive.

Get as close as you can to the altar area to appreciate Veit Stoss’s Altarpiece up close; it is the largest Gothic altarpiece in the world and a national treasure in Poland. During the German invasion, the artwork was stolen by the Nazi army; it was recovered in 1946 in a cellar at Nuremberg Castle.

Useful information

• Opening hours: Except on public holidays, the basilica is open to the public every day from 11.30 am to 6 pm.
• Admission price: Entry to the church is free, although if you wish to admire the works of art inside at close quarters, the admission ticket costs approximately €3.75.
• Duration of the visit: 50 minutes is sufficient to explore the interiors and appreciate the works of art.

No trip to Kraków’s Market Square would be complete without a visit to Sukiennice, or the Cloth Hall as it is known in Latin. This space has been dedicated to trade since the city’s very foundation; here, the most important merchants of the 15th century gathered to bring spices, silk, leather and wax from distant lands; Kraków, for its part, exported textiles, lead and salt, extracted, of course, from the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

The iconic building has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and occupies a prime location right in the middle of the central square. It boasts a beautiful and elegant structure, so you simply cannot leave Kraków without taking a picture-postcard shot from the arches of the Cloth Hall. You can make the most of your visit to buy all sorts of mementos and travel souvenirs.

Useful information

• Opening hours: The Cloth Hall is open to the public every day from 10am to 7pm.
• Admission: Entry is completely free.
• Duration of the visit: You can spend as much time as you like exploring the stalls that catch your eye.

Wieza Ratuszowa is the Polish name for the iconic Town Hall Tower located in the Market Square. The Tower is all that remains of Warsaw’s old town hall, a historic building that long dominated the south-western side of the square; following numerous fires and periods of repair, it was decided to demolish the structure in 1820.

In honour of the old building, a magnificent Gothic-style tower has been preserved, housing an extension of the Kraków Historical Museum; the permanent exhibition focuses exclusively on the history and evolution of the square, making it well worth a visit.

Useful information

• Opening hours: The museum is open to the public during two seasons. From April to October, from 10.30 am to 6 pm, and in November and December from 12 noon to 6 pm.
• Admission price: Admission to the small museum is approximately €3
• Duration of the visit: It is a small museum, so 30 minutes will be enough to see the exhibition and climb to the top of the tower.

The Rynek Museum isn’t visible from the Market Square because it’s actually underneath it! Visiting the city’s immersive museum is definitely one of the best things to see and do in Kraków. The entrance to this unique museum is located right inside the Cloth Hall.

Upon entering, you descend several metres underground to discover extensive archaeological excavations that reveal the medieval commercial districts of Kraków’s Old Town. You’ll find large sections of roads dating back as far as Roman times, all preserved in an impressive state. Through displays and stories, the museum teaches us about the customs of medieval life in Kraków. The experience is both educational and fascinating, making it ideal if you’re planning to visit Kraków with children.

Useful information

• Opening hours: Open to the public from 10am to 8pm every day, except Tuesdays when it closes at 2pm.
• Admission price: The entrance ticket costs approximately €6 per person.
• Duration of the visit: Around 1.5 hours should be sufficient to see the whole museum.

Although less well-known than St Mary’s Church, the Church of St Wojciech—or St Albert’s Church in English—is one of the most beautiful churches in Kraków and is situated on the south-eastern side of the Main Square. It is also possibly the oldest building in the entire square, as its construction dates back to the mid-11th century; it was therefore built even before the current square.

It is a small church adorned with green roofs formed by Baroque domes that converge on its harmonious Romanesque façade. The church is used for certain celebrations, so if you decide to visit, please ensure you respect the solemnity of the place.

Useful information

• Opening hours: The church is generally open to the public from Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 5pm.
• Admission: Entry to the church is free.
• Duration of visit: You can stay inside for as long as you like.

On the first floor of the Sukiennice is the 19th-Century Polish Art Gallery; a museum entirely dedicated to honouring talented Polish artists who presented the world with fabulous works of art in various pictorial styles.

Regardless of your knowledge of art in general or, more specifically, Polish art, this is a visit I highly recommend. Inside, you’ll find huge, beautifully lit rooms. Many of the works on display are of impressive size, and the level of detail in the pieces will leave you in awe. The art at the Galeria Sztuki Polskiej is displayed against colourful walls painted in bright colours, which adds a great deal of life and dynamism to the space.

Useful information

• Opening hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesdays from 10am to 7pm; Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm
• Admission price: The entrance ticket costs approximately €6.60
• Duration of the visit: 1.5 hours will be more than enough to explore the exhibition and admire all the artwork.

Adam Mickiewicz is one of Poland’s greatest Romantic poets, a historical figure much loved by locals as, in addition to being a poet, he was a passionate columnist and political activist who, even from exile, declared himself a visionary and lover of his homeland. His life and struggle were focused on preserving the customs and language of his native Poland, which throughout history suffered various foreign invasions.

In almost every Polish city you can find a statue of Adam Mickiewicz, as he is considered a national hero. The one in Kraków stands in a place of honour in the Market Square, right between two of its most important buildings: St Mary’s Basilica and the Sukiennice.

Go up to the monument and take some lovely photographs!

One of Poland’s most famous sculptors, Igor Mitoraj, created the famous Eros Benato sculpture in 1999 and decided to donate it to the city in 2010. The sculpture depicts the Greek god of love, Eros, with a cloth covering part of his eyes and mouth; this symbolism represents that both the desires and ideas of the mythical figure have been curtailed. According to records, the artist created four similar works: two are in the United States, one in Kraków’s Main Square, and the last in Lugano’s Piazza della Riforma in Switzerland.

Being able to see an important work of art up close and take photographs of it is truly a great opportunity. Many tourists enjoy climbing inside the large sculpture and poking their heads through the eye sockets for amusing photographs.

As Kraków’s main and only square, the Market Square is the perfect venue for the city’s major events. If you’ve already decided on the best time to visit Kraków and it coincides with one of these, don’t hesitate to join in the celebrations – you’re sure to have a great time!

If you’re visiting Kraków in April: Easter Market

In April, in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday, a market is held in the city’s main square. You’ll see the whole place filled with seasonal flowers and traditional Polish decorations wherever you look. Hand-painted eggs and wood carvings are a must-see. During the festivities, this space also hosts folk parades and other religious processions.

If you visit Kraków in June: Lajkonik Parade

In summer, one of Kraków’s most distinctive traditions takes place in the city ’s main square. According to historians, the ritual dates back to the invasions of the 13th century, when it was believed that paying a fee would ensure good fortune for the whole year ahead. As a result, Lajkonik, a Mongol warrior on horseback, rides through the city’s Old Town, entering every shop to demand payment of a cash ransom.

If you visit Kraków in June: Grand Dragon Parade

Also in June, the Great Summer Dragon Parade is held; a legend linked to the very founding of ancient Kraków. Large kites and dragon floats take to the streets, and fireworks displays can be seen at Wawel Castle and on the waters of the Vistula River. The square serves as the parade route, and stages are set up for live music.

If you visit Kraków in December: Kraków Christmas Market

In December in Kraków, you can enjoy the charming Kraków Christmas Market. Pretty, picturesque stalls are set up temporarily around the statue of Adam Mickiewicz on the east side of the square. As you walk, you’ll smell the scent of cinnamon buns and sizzling Polish black pudding filling the air; the stalls sell all sorts of treats, and both tourists and locals wander from one stall to the next.

Right in the Market Square itself, specifically in Sukiennice and the surrounding area, you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Kraków’s Old Town. Make the most of your visit by booking a lunch and enjoying either traditional Polish food or other types of cuisine – variety is guaranteed in this area! If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are a few of my favourites.

• La Grande Mamma. Specialising in Italian cuisine
• Dobra Kasza Nasza. Specialising in Polish cuisine
• Restauracja Wentz. Specialising in international European cuisine
• Chopin Restaurant. Specialising in Polish cuisine

Krakow is famous for its bars steeped in Polish traditions like nowhere else in Poland. Make the most of your visit to discover some of the best bars and clubs around the Market Square. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a list of my personal favourites.

• Czeczotka, cocktail bar
• Buda
• Harris Piano Jazz Bar

Most of the activities I’ve suggested can easily be combined with a guided tour, and I think this is the best option of all. Getting to know the city and the Market Square with a local who can show you the most interesting spots and hidden corners.

Available tours

• Price: These types of experiences are available from €36
• Duration of the tour: This varies greatly depending on the itinerary, but you can expect a full tour to take between 2 and 4 hours.