Krakow Old Town Guide

The largest medieval market square in Europe at 200 by 200 meters, and the undisputed heart of Krakow since 1257. The square is dominated by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) at its center, St. Mary's Basilica on the east side, and the Town Hall Tower on the southwest corner. Every hour, a trumpet call (hejnał) sounds from St. Mary's tower — a tradition dating back to the 13th century when a watchman warned of Mongol invasion. The square is lined with restaurants, cafes, and horse-drawn carriages. In winter, it hosts one of Europe's best Christmas markets.

Krakow's most famous street connects the Main Market Square to the Barbican and St. Florian's Gate. This pedestrianized thoroughfare has been a commercial artery since the Middle Ages and is now lined with restaurants, shops, galleries, and the legendary Jama Michalika cafe — a stunning Art Nouveau interior where Krakow's bohemian elite gathered in the early 1900s. The street gets extremely crowded during the day, so visit early in the morning for a more peaceful experience.

A ring of beautiful parks and gardens that encircles the entire Old Town, following the path of the medieval city walls that were demolished in the early 19th century. The Planty stretches for about 4 kilometers and is Krakow's favorite green space — shaded walking paths, ornamental gardens, fountains, benches, and monuments. A complete loop takes about an hour at a relaxed pace and offers constantly changing views of the Old Town's towers and spires. Particularly beautiful in autumn when the leaves turn golden.

One of the few remaining relics of Krakow's medieval fortifications, this imposing circular Gothic fortress was built in 1498 to defend the Floriańska Gate. The Barbican is one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in Europe, with walls up to 3 meters thick and 130 loopholes for defensive fire. Inside, the courtyard hosts occasional exhibitions and performances in summer. Connected to the Old Town by a narrow passage at St. Florian's Gate, it marks the dramatic northern entrance to the historic center.

The best-preserved of Krakow's eight medieval city gates, dating to the 14th century. The 34-meter-tall tower was part of the city's defense system and marks the beginning of the historic Royal Road — the route that Polish kings took from their arrival point to Wawel Castle. The gate connects to the Barbican on the outside and opens onto Floriańska Street on the inside. The walls around the gate display paintings sold by local artists — a tradition that has been ongoing for decades.

The Renaissance-era trading hall at the center of the Main Market Square, once the heart of Krakow's international cloth trade. The ground floor still operates as a market — stalls sell amber jewelry, wooden crafts, lace, leather goods, and traditional Polish souvenirs. The upper floor houses the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, part of the National Museum. The exterior arcades are beautiful at night when illuminated. This is the best place in Krakow for unique, quality souvenirs.