Main Market Square Guide
Europe's largest medieval town square — Cloth Hall, Town Hall Tower, and the heart of Krakow for over 750 years
The Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny) is the beating heart of Krakow and the largest medieval town square in Europe. Laid out in 1257 when the city received its charter under Magdeburg law, this magnificent 200-by-200 meter public space has been the center of Krakow's commercial, social, and cultural life for over 750 years.
Surrounded by beautifully restored townhouses, Gothic churches, and Renaissance palaces, the square is dominated by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — a grand trading arcade that has housed merchants since the 14th century. The iconic twin towers of St. Mary's Basilica rise from the northeast corner, while the leaning Town Hall Tower stands as the sole survivor of the original medieval town hall. Today the square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the starting point for exploring everything Krakow has to offer.
24/7
Opening Hours
Free
Entry Fee
7-9 AM
Best Time
1257
Year Founded
Essential Information
The Main Market Square is an open public space accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No entry fee. The Cloth Hall ground floor market operates from about 9 AM to 7 PM daily. The Town Hall Tower and Underground Museum have their own hours (typically 10 AM - 6 PM) and separate ticket prices.
Early morning (7-9 AM) for photography and peaceful strolls before the crowds arrive. Late afternoon (4-6 PM) for the best cafe atmosphere and people-watching. Evening visits are magical when the buildings are illuminated. The Hejnal trumpet call from St. Mary's sounds every hour — time your visit to catch it.
The Main Market Square is in the heart of the Old Town. Walk 15 minutes south from Krakow Glowny train station through the Barbican and Florianska Gate. Most tram and bus lines stop at nearby Poczta Glowna or Teatr Bagatela. The entire Old Town is a pedestrian zone — no cars allowed. The nearest parking is at Galeria Krakowska by the train station.
The square itself takes 30-60 minutes to walk around and appreciate. Add 1 hour for the Cloth Hall gallery, 30 minutes for the Town Hall Tower, and 1.5 hours for the Underground Museum. With a cafe stop and shopping in the Cloth Hall, you could easily spend 3-4 hoursenjoying everything the square has to offer.
What to See
Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)
The magnificent Renaissance-era trading hall that dominates the center of the square has been the heart of Krakow's commerce since the 14th century. The current building dates from the 16th century with its distinctive arcaded facade and ornamental attic designed by Giovanni Maria Padovano. The ground floor houses a bustling market selling amber jewelry, hand-painted pottery, wooden crafts, and traditional Polish souvenirs. The upper floor is home to the Gallery of 19th Century Polish Art, part of the National Museum, featuring works by Jan Matejko and other masters. Entry to the gallery costs 20 zł.
Town Hall Tower (Wieza Ratuszowa)
The sole surviving remnant of the original 14th-century Town Hall, this 70-meter Gothic tower leans slightly off-vertical and offers panoramic views of the entire Old Town from its observation deck. Climb the narrow spiral staircase to the top for a bird's-eye view of the square, St. Mary's Basilica, and the surrounding rooftops stretching to Wawel Castle. The basement houses an atmospheric branch of the Krakow History Museum with medieval artifacts. Entry is 15 zł and includes both the tower and basement exhibition.
St. Adalbert's Church (Kosciol sw. Wojciecha)
This tiny Romanesque church in the corner of the square is one of the oldest stone churches in Poland, predating the square itself by several centuries. Its foundations date to the 10th century, though the current Baroque exterior was added in the 17th century. The basement houses a small but fascinating archaeological exhibition on the history of the Main Market Square, showing the layers of streets and buildings that lie beneath the current surface. Free entry to the church; exhibition 5 zł.
Horse Carriages and Square Life
The Main Market Square is alive with activity from dawn until late at night. Horse-drawn carriages line up near the Cloth Hall offering rides around the Old Town (around 100-200 zł for a 30-minute tour). Street performers, flower vendors, and pigeon flocks create a lively atmosphere. In summer, the square fills with outdoor cafe terraces perfect for people-watching. In December, the famous Krakow Christmas Market transforms the entire square into a winter wonderland with wooden stalls, mulled wine, and traditional crafts.
Photography Tips
Best Angles and Compositions
For the classic postcard shot, stand at the northeastern corner of the square (near the corner of Florianska Street) to capture both St. Mary's Basilica and the Cloth Hall in one frame. Shoot from ground level near the center of the square for dramatic perspective shots with the cobblestones leading to the Cloth Hall. The archways of the Cloth Hall make excellent frames for St. Mary's towers in the background.
Golden Hour Magic
The square faces roughly north-south, so early morning light (6-8 AM) beautifully illuminates St. Mary's Basilica from the east, while sunset (6-8 PM in summer) casts warm light across the Cloth Hall's western facade. Early morning also means empty cobblestones — a rare sight in this popular square. At blue hour, the illuminated buildings against a deep blue sky create a magical atmosphere.
Aerial and Elevated Views
The Town Hall Tower observation deck offers the best aerial view of the entire square and is the only public elevated viewpoint. Arrive shortly after opening to avoid queues. The tower of St. Mary's Basilica (open seasonally) offers another elevated perspective. For ground-level variety, shoot through the Cloth Hall's arcade passages for interesting tunnel-framed compositions of the square beyond.
Nearby Food & Cafes
Noworolski
An Art Nouveau gem hidden inside the Cloth Hall, Noworolski has been serving Krakow's elite since 1910. The elegant interior with period furnishings and stained glass makes it feel like stepping back in time. Known for its excellent cakes, pastries, and traditional Polish dishes. The afternoon tea service is a refined way to experience the square. Slightly pricier than average but worth it for the atmosphere and history.
Milkbar Tomasza
Just off the Main Market Square on Tomasza Street, this modern take on the traditional Polish milk bar (bar mleczny) serves hearty homemade pierogi, zurek, bigos, and placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes) at unbeatable prices. The portions are generous, the food is authentic, and you will eat alongside students and locals. The perfect antidote to the overpriced tourist restaurants on the square itself.
Cafe Camelot
A Krakow institution tucked away on Tomasza Street near the square, Cafe Camelot has been a bohemian gathering place since the 1990s. The candlelit medieval cellar atmosphere is unmatched. Famous for its apple pie (szarlotka), hot chocolate, and cheese cake. Hosts occasional puppet theater shows and literary events. A perfect spot for a coffee break between sightseeing.
Pro Tips
Avoid Square Restaurants
Restaurants directly on the Main Market Square are notoriously overpriced and often mediocre. Walk just one block off the square to Tomasza, Slawkowska, or Grodzka streets for significantly better food at half the price. The exception is Noworolski in the Cloth Hall, which has genuine historic charm and quality to justify its premium pricing.
Visit the Underground Museum
The Rynek Underground Museum beneath the square is one of Krakow's best museums and often overlooked by tourists. The interactive archaeological exhibition shows medieval Krakow buried 4 meters below the current street level. Entry is free on Tuesdays but requires a timed ticket — book online to guarantee your spot, especially in summer.
Listen for the Hejnal
Every hour on the hour, a trumpeter plays the Hejnal Mariacki from the higher tower of St. Mary's Basilica to the four cardinal directions. The melody famously stops mid-note, commemorating a 13th-century watchman who was shot in the throat while sounding the alarm during a Mongol invasion. At noon, the Hejnal is broadcast live on Polish national radio — a tradition since the 1920s.
Buy Obwarzanek
The blue carts around the square sell obwarzanek — Krakow's signature braided ring bread topped with poppy seeds, sesame, or salt. These chewy, slightly sweet breads have been baked in Krakow since the 14th century and cost only 2-3 zł. They are the perfect on-the-go snack while exploring. Try the poppy seed variety for the most traditional flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
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